Working with clay and clay-like materials

Modelling
Clay, commercially available ‘clay type’ preparations, plasticine, playdough etc., can all be used for modelling. As pupils become more experienced in these media, they will improvise tools to suit the effect they want. It will be useful to have a selection of potential tools on hand - like old cutlery and sticks. When clay models are to be kiln fired, care should be taken that the clay is not more than about 3/4” thick. If models are thicker than this, they should be hollowed out, otherwise they may explode in the kiln. Also, make sure work has dried out completely before going in the kiln. Moisture can also cause work to explode.