Working with clay and clay-like materials

Using Moulds
Another way of forming clay is in moulds. A traditional mould is made out of plaster and allowed to dry, then it is lined with fresh clay. Biscuit fired clay can also be used to make moulds. Other materials, such as plastic bowls, can also be used, but care should be taken to powder the surface of the mould, or line it with cloth or paper, so that the wet clay does not stick. As the clay dries it shrinks away from the mould and can be tipped out easily.