Air-Dry Clay

 

 

Merry meet.

If you prefer to make tools, charms, altar decorations and gifts, clay could be all you need. In this case, it was block of the air-drying variety. Purchased at a tag sale years ago, one corner of the plastic had split open, drying some of the clay. Placing the block in an airtight container and adding some water restored it. A ziplock plastic bag also works.

 

 

Air-dry clay is soft and pliable. Kneed it a few times and it’s ready to be rolled, shaped, pressed into molds and sculpted. The clay will begin to dry as soon as exposed to air, so to get more time to work on a piece, continue to moisten it with water or slip – a mix of clay and water that can also be used to patch cracks and smooth out surfaces. Keeping a consistent thickness – about a quarter inch – helps prevent cracking.

 

 

When the item is finished, just let it sit out until it hardens. It will usually be dry to the touch after 24 hours. The thicker the clay is, the longer it will take to fully dry – as long as 72 hours. Although hard, the clay will be brittle and if dropped or banged, it will break.

In addition to your hands, tools as common as a knife, toothpick and a turkey lacer can help create everything from goddesses to incense holders to cauldrons.

 

 

Press leaves, lace, and other objects into the clay while it is wet to make patterns. Decorate with beads, crystals, twigs and other finds. Once dry, markers, acrylic and tempera paint, ink, and watercolor can all be used to add color to your creation.

 

 

Air-dry clay is not food safe and is for decorative purposes only. The clay is also not waterproof. To seal, use Outdoor Waterproof Mod Podge, varnish, acrylic sealer or liquid epoxy resin.

Merry part. And merry meet again.

 

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About the Author:

Lynn Woike

thewitchonwheels.com

All my life I have known magic was real. As a child, I played with the fae, established relationships with trees and “just knew things.” In my maiden years I discovered witchcraft and dabbled in the black-candles-and-cemeteries-at-midnight-on-a-fullmoon magick just enough to realize I did not understand its power. I went on to explore many practices including Zen, astrology, color therapy, native traditions, tarot, herbs, candle magic, gems, and, as I moved into my mother years, Buddhism, the Kabbalah and Reiki. The first man I dated after my divorce was a witch who reintroduced me to the Craft, this time by way of the Goddess. For 11 years I was in a coven, but with retirement, I have returned to an eclectic solitary practice. When accepting the mantle of crone, I pledged to serve and teach. This is what I do from my skoolie – a 30-year-old school bus converted into a tiny house on wheels that I am driving around the country, following 72-degree weather, emerging myself into nature, and sharing magic with those I meet. Find me at thewitchonwheels.com, Facebook and Instagram.