Unlocking the Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Paper Clay

Paper clay, a wondrous material that marries the strength of clay with the lightness of paper, has captivated artists and crafters for its unique properties and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned ceramicist or a curious beginner, learning to make paper clay opens up a world of creative possibilities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed steps, helpful tips, and troubleshooting advice to ensure your paper clay adventures are a resounding success.

What is Paper Clay?

At its core, paper clay is simply clay that has been modified by the addition of paper pulp or fibers. This seemingly small change imparts some truly remarkable characteristics. The paper fibers act as a reinforcement, significantly increasing the green strength (the strength of unfired clay). This means that paper clay pieces are less prone to cracking, warping, or slumping during drying and firing, especially when working with complex or delicate forms. It allows you to build bigger, bolder, and more intricate creations with fewer anxieties. The paper also increases the porosity of the clay body, aiding in faster and more even drying. Additionally, the organic fibers will burn out during firing leaving behind a slightly more porous ceramic. This property can have different effects on the final result so it’s important to take this into account and adjust firing schedules when needed.

Why Choose Paper Clay?

Before we delve into the how-to, let’s explore why paper clay is a material worth embracing:

• Increased Green Strength: This is the most significant benefit. Paper clay holds its shape much better when wet and can withstand more handling without breaking.
• Reduced Cracking: Paper fibers help distribute stress within the clay, minimizing the likelihood of cracks forming during drying.
• Faster Drying: The added porosity allows water to escape more readily, leading to quicker and more even drying times.
• Lightweight: Dry paper clay is lighter than traditional clay, making it suitable for larger or hanging projects.
• Versatile: It can be used for hand-building, sculpting, throwing (with proper technique), and even mold-making.
• Repurposing: You can use recycled paper, which contributes to sustainable artistic practices.
• Unique Texture: The paper fibers can create an interesting surface texture after firing, depending on the type of paper used.

Gathering Your Supplies: The Paper Clay Arsenal

Making paper clay is relatively straightforward, but having all the necessary materials on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Clay: Choose your clay wisely. For beginners, a low-fire or mid-range earthenware or stoneware clay is generally recommended. Avoid clays with too much grog (pre-fired, crushed clay) as the fibers may have a harder time integrating properly. You can use wet clay (from the bag) or dry clay that has been turned into slurry or slip.
• Paper Pulp/Fibers:
  • Recycled Paper: Newspaper, office paper, junk mail, or even paper towels can be used. Avoid glossy or coated papers as these don’t break down as well.
  • Toilet Paper: This is a commonly used option due to its readily available and relatively absorbent nature.
  • Paper Pulp (Commercially Prepared): If you prefer consistency and convenience, you can purchase pre-made paper pulp specifically for paper clay.
• Water: Clean water for soaking and blending the paper and adjusting consistency.
• Blender: A standard kitchen blender or a dedicated paper pulp blender will be needed to break down the paper into a fine pulp.
• Bucket or Container: To soak the paper and later mix it with the clay.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing and handling the clay slip.
• Gloves: Optional, but recommended if you prefer to keep your hands clean.
• Sieve or Strainer: For draining excess water from the paper pulp.
• Spatula or Mixing Tool: To mix the paper pulp and clay evenly.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Art of Making Paper Clay

Now that you have your supplies, let’s get down to the actual process of creating paper clay.

Step 1: Preparing the Paper Pulp

1. Tear or Shred the Paper: Rip or shred your chosen paper into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and easier they will break down.

2. Soak the Paper: Place the shredded paper into a bucket or container and cover it completely with warm water. The warmer the water, the faster the paper will break down. Let the paper soak for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the water to penetrate the paper fibers and make them easier to pulp.

3. Blend the Soaked Paper: Transfer the soaked paper and some of the soaking water to a blender. Work in batches to avoid overloading the blender. Pulse the blender until the paper is reduced to a smooth pulp-like consistency. You should not see any large chunks of paper remaining. You may need to add a little more water to get a thick, pourable consistency.

4. Strain the Pulp: Pour the paper pulp through a sieve or strainer to remove excess water. Gently press the pulp to extract as much water as possible. You should now have a thick, damp paper pulp ready to be mixed with your clay.

Step 2: Preparing the Clay

1. Soften the Clay: If using wet clay, ensure it is soft and pliable. Wedge it to remove any air pockets and achieve a smooth consistency. If using dry clay, mix it with water to create a smooth slip or slurry. The slip should be thick enough to hold its shape but pourable. The consistency should be like that of a thick cream.

Step 3: Combining the Clay and Paper Pulp

1. Mixing Ratio: The ideal ratio of paper pulp to clay varies based on the project, the type of paper, and the desired consistency. A good starting point is approximately 1 part paper pulp to 3 parts clay by volume. You can adjust this ratio as you gain more experience. Adding more pulp will increase green strength but will lower the density of the piece after firing.

2. Combining: Place the clay slip into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the paper pulp to the clay slip, mixing thoroughly with a spatula or mixing tool. Make sure that the pulp is evenly distributed and that there are no lumps or pockets of paper. Ensure that the pulp is completely surrounded by the clay slip so that it can bond properly.

3. Adjust Consistency: Add more clay slip or paper pulp as needed to achieve your desired consistency. The consistency should be thick and smooth, similar to a thick cake frosting. A properly mixed batch should have the paper fiber evenly dispersed within the clay with no large clumps of paper remaining.

4. Wedging (Optional but Recommended): For smaller batches, wedging the paper clay can help further combine the ingredients and remove any remaining air pockets. However, be careful not to overwork the clay, as this could damage the paper fibers.

Step 4: Aging or Settling (Optional)

1. Resting Period: It is beneficial to allow the newly mixed paper clay to rest for a day or two before using it. This allows the fibers to fully integrate with the clay, creating a stronger and more cohesive material. Cover the paper clay with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Using Your Paper Clay: Unleashing Your Creativity

Once your paper clay is ready, the artistic possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas:

• Sculpting: Create intricate sculptures, figurines, or decorative objects. The added strength allows for delicate details and complex shapes.
• Hand-building: Build pots, platters, tiles, or other functional pieces using coil, slab, or pinch techniques. The reduced risk of cracking makes it perfect for large or irregular shapes.
• Mold Making: Use paper clay to create durable and intricate molds for slip-casting.
• Mixed Media: Combine paper clay with other materials like wood, metal, or found objects to create unique mixed-media pieces.
• Jewelry Making: Fashion pendants, beads, or other jewelry components from paper clay.
• Surface Decoration: Use paper clay to create textured surfaces and relief designs.

Firing Paper Clay: The Transformation

Firing paper clay follows much the same process as firing regular clay, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Slow Drying: Allow your paper clay pieces to dry slowly and evenly, covered with plastic if necessary, to prevent cracking. You can sometimes place them in a large garbage bag with just a small opening to slow down the drying process. The water needs to evaporate at the same rate from the entire surface to avoid structural issues.
• Bisque Firing: Perform a bisque firing at the recommended temperature for your clay type. The paper fibers will burn out during this firing. It’s sometimes beneficial to extend the bisque firing schedule to give more time for the organic material to burn out without any issues.
• Glaze Firing: Once bisque-fired, you can glaze your paper clay pieces as you would normally.
• Adjust Firing Schedule if Needed: Be aware of the increased porosity of paper clay and adjust your firing schedules if necessary, especially during the beginning of the firing schedule.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your paper clay experience is smooth and successful:

• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of paper, clay, and mixing ratios to find what works best for you.
• Start Small: Begin with smaller projects to get a feel for the material and its unique properties.
• Avoid Overworking: Overworking the paper clay can damage the paper fibers and weaken the material.
• Store Properly: Store unused paper clay in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Record your Findings: Keep detailed notes of your mixing ratios, paper types and firing schedules to refine your recipe for your specific needs.
• Ventilate: Always work in a well-ventilated area, especially when blending and firing.
• Safety First: Wear protective eyewear and a mask when handling dry clay or paper pulp, especially if you’re sensitive to dust.

Troubleshooting

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Cracking: If your paper clay is cracking, try slowing down the drying process. Ensure that the water content within the piece evaporates at a consistent rate throughout the entire body. Make sure your pieces dry completely before firing. Cracking may also occur if too much water was used in mixing. Be sure to use the appropriate ratio of dry pulp to wet clay, or strain the paper well to remove excess moisture.
• Lumpiness: If your paper clay is lumpy, ensure that the paper is fully pulped. Blend the paper for a longer period, and make sure you remove all large pieces of paper. You may need to use a different type of paper if your current one does not fully break down.
• Weakness: If your paper clay feels too weak, you may need to add more paper pulp or ensure you are mixing thoroughly. Make sure the fibers are properly distributing within the clay slip.
• Sticking: If the clay is sticking to your tools or work surface, try using a small amount of water or spray the surface with a lubricant like WD-40.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Paper Clay Potential

Making paper clay is a rewarding journey that opens up new possibilities in the world of ceramics. By understanding the principles of mixing paper and clay, you can create durable, lightweight, and uniquely textured pieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment, embrace the process, and unleash your creative potential with this extraordinary material. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner, paper clay has something to offer to every creative soul. So, grab your supplies, get your hands dirty, and let the magic begin! The world of paper clay is yours to explore.