Reclaiming Dry Art Clay Silver Before Firing

by Lisle Skriker
(Dubai, UAE)

Reclaiming dry clay

As I was new to Art Clay Silver, I had a few pieces which broke or I'd lost interest in once they were completely dry.

You can imagine my disappointment as I didn't want to sit and file down all these pieces and use them as paste.

I read an article once where the lady suggested placing the dry clay in a sponge. I tried the suggestion but it didn't work.

A few months later I accidently left some semi-dry clay in plastic cling-wrap with some water. The next morning I found the dry clay had become pliable again.

What joy!

I then tried a completely dry piece of clay and ended up with the same results.

Now when I reclaim the dry clay, I just place it in plastic wrap over night together with some water. Not too much.

I keep adding and keeping the clay and water wrapped up until it becomes a texture which I am comfortable to work with.

I also use smallish pieces at a time.

If it's too wet, then I work with it until it is dry enough and not sticking to the plastic wrap.

I'm not sure if this method is harmful to the clay, but I've had some success in reclaiming the clay.

As I'm still new to Art Clay Silver, I'm sure that many of you are familiar with this process - however, I'm sure you can understand my joy at stumbling across it.

Happy creating!

Lisle Skriker
WOW Creations Jewellery

Comments for
Reclaiming Dry Art Clay Silver Before Firing

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Great money-saving tip
by: Rena

Thanks so much for sharing this helpful tip, Lisle!

It's great to have a way to breathe new life into these scraps.

THANK YOU
by: Lisle Skriker

Thank you Rena,

I've been enjoying using your site and am learning so much.
Lisle

also try this
by: Tina Cloud

I am a PMC artist, & here's a trick I use to rehydrate my clay. Roll it out between two plastic sheet protectors (stiffer/smooth kind is better), then brush on water, fold it over & roll it again. Keep repeating this until the clay peels off easily from the sheet protector & is a smooth texture. If it's really sticky you can use a silicone clay shaper, silicone spatula, or a plastic scraper (think kitchen tools) to scrape it off the sheet protector. This minimizes clay loss from transfer onto tools & fingertips, & keeps oils out of the clay. It also works in the water evenly & quickly so you don't have to wait days. If you have a big piece that is bone dry, chop it up into smaller bits & crush it when you roll it.

Good Luck!
See my PMC jewelry at www.cloudhaledesign.com
Tina

Good tip
by: Lisle

thanks Tina,

I have a table at the local Mall for 5th February. I want to make some nice hearts in time for Valentine's Day and Mother's day. I have so much bone dry clay and will try your method as well.

The Art Clay Silver world is very small in dubai, so it's great having some feedback from you.

Take care
Lisle

How to reclaim dry BronzClay?
by: Virginia Vivier

I have had problems rehydrating dry, crumbly BronzClay. When I reuse scrap pieces they don't fire as well as brand new BronzClay. The scrap pieces fire with a dull blackish-brown finish instead of shiny bronze in comparison. Does anyone have a solution? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks, Virginia

Bronze Clay
by: Tina

I've never worked with the bronze clay, but I think I read somewhere that the bronze & copper clays can't be completely rehydrated like the silver because the particles oxidize & then don't sinter good. I've tried the copper clay without much luck. They really seem to be different animals than the silver clay.
Good Luck!
Tina
www.cloudhaledesign.com

Reclaiming Bronze Clay
by: Lisle

I have a bronze clay lesson booked end feb in istanbul. I'll check with my instructor if she has any tips. Good to know before I do the class. Thanks for the question. Hope I can get some useful tips for you.

Lisle

managment
by: sara

where i do buy artclay silver tools in dubai?

Art clay silver - Dubai
by: Lisle

Hi Sara

which kind of tools are you looking for?

Mail me a list and I'll send you stockists if I am able to. I can also mail you my price list of what I sell.

I stock Art Clay Silver 650 slow dry clay, acs paste and syringe.

Kind regards
lisle