Raw clay for abo pottery (build along)

[Don Case]

The clay I was using didn't stick at all. You just roll it off. I  think it doesn't stick because it shrinks as it dries and sorta keeps pulling itself loose. If you put to much water in the plaster when you are mixing it sometimes the clay will pull little bits of plaster off when you are removing it. Keep a toothpick handy to remove them. The white plaster shows up well against most clay so it's easy to see. It was 10 or 15 years ago that I did this. It's basically a big flat ceramics mold.

[Zuma]

Great Don,
I wonder if abo folks had a similar method.

I am a antsy type. I got to get it done now. Since I don't have any plaster (yet)
I have tried a few other methods.
Jodocus, I folded a cotton sheet into four layers and tied it over a bucket.
I poured in the slip. Not a whole lot of water made it out through the material.
I squeezed the bag until some light color came through and then left it hang in the sun and breeze. Should work pretty good.
I also cleaned out the oven of chert and tried a baking pan full of slip at 175 degrees for the last couple hours. I dried a small amount in the open air to a workable consistency. It seems gritty but should be just fine.

[Don Case]

I wonder if you stretched out a chamois or maybe a piece of soft buckskin and then poured the slip on it. It would have to be a dedicated piece because I doubt the clay would come off cleanly. You just need something to suck up the water.

[Zuma]

I wonder if you stretched out a chamois or maybe a piece of soft buckskin and then poured the slip on it. It would have to be a dedicated piece because I doubt the clay would come off cleanly. You just need something to suck up the water.

All of these methods have merit. All worth trying.
Since today was a very low humidity day, I tried what might be the same as solar heat collection tech.
When the sun shines, light rays hit dark objects and heat them.
Objects lacking pigment reflect the light.
I had good overhead declination and a bit of a breeze. A better wind would have worked better for convection (air movement). Think convection oven that you can actually cook in.
 What surprised me today is that the oven did not to do much drying?
The dry moving air was the remedy.
It's late so I'll post the photos and process soon.
Zuma
PS I need to post this one

[Zuma]

Slip in the sheet. I layered the sheet so the water would strain through four layers.
I became to impatient so I put the slip in pans and a cookie sheet to dry in the sun.
I started to get results.

[Zuma]

I periodically stirred the clay as it dried. Mixing the dryer areas with the wetter.
This seemed to quicken the drying.
The sun was sinking low and the potter needed some hydration.
Before dark I had about $5 worth of clean clay.
I put it in the container and into the frig.
Today is a chance of rain. I have enough to build a pot or two.
I need to decide what kind of grog to add and what style pot to build.
Zuma

[Zuma]

Well to antsy to not do something with the clay.
I'd see it every time I went for a beer.
There seemed to be plenty grit in the clay so I skipped grog.
May want it for a spagetti bowl some day.

[Don Case]

You keep your clay in the fridge??? 
 Post some pictures when it's fired, please.

[Zuma]

You keep your clay in the fridge??? 
 Post some pictures when it's fired, please.

Hi Don,
If I put it with the tea I would never see it and forget to make a pot!

[nclonghunter]

Zuma, it seems that I read once about preparing clay and it was crushed and pounded to dust, then rocks and such was cleaned out by sifting through screens. Once a fine powder resulted then water was added. Your clay looks great so it obviously is a good method also. I want to make some pottery also...it's on the list.

[Zuma]

Hi nc,
Seems like you had a good time at the Classic.
I think there are nine ways to skin a cat.
Same with the clay and additives etc.
Since the Industrial Revolution most potters have gone by the wayside.
But I can guarantee you, tremendous pleasure from playing in the mud.
Zuma
 just a few other fun clay things. I shattered the cool Clovis taking it off the shelf. lol

[iowabow]

Here is a modern bowl I pulled from the kiln yesterday.

[Zuma]

Nice iowabow.
Did you spin the glaze on the wheel?
My boy has been telling me he's bored.
I sent him this link with a pot he did back in High School.
Hope he gets back into it.
My pot is taking for ever to dry?
Zuma

[iowabow]

I used the pottery wheel to make the bowl. The glaze was dipped and then the center colors were poured in then poured out.

[Zuma]

It's interesting that Native American potters were not much at glazing.
Although it's beginning around 3,000 years ago makes it pretty primitive.
Glazing is a rewarding experience. Like anticipating what things have turned out like when the kill door is opened.
Well I may be able to fire this pot in a week or so.
here is a cool link.
Zuma
 HISTORY OF POTTERY AND PORCELAIN - HistoryWorld