Clay, Canvas Blankets & Clay Repair!
I wash my canvas blankets that I put on the tables after I do two grade levels. The silica dust particles are not good to breath. I take the canvas to the carwash and attach them to the wall where you would hang your car floor mats. I take them home and spread out in the garage to dry. ( if you do not open them up to dry they will mold / mildew )
Clay repair on greenware or unfired clay can be done most times by adding a few drops of white vinegar and slip to both sides of the break and carefully pressing together. I use a small plastic bottle to keep the vinegar in that has an eye dropper end. If you get the broken piece back on, but are unsure if it will stay, add a drop or two of clear glaze on the crack line. It will not come off if it makes it through the firing process.
As the students get older and more familiar with clay, I give them more choices of things they can create out of clay. I always do a demonstration the week before to show them what they can create and how to use the tools correctly. This helps them have a good understanding when they come the following week. I explain that I am only one person and if they do not have a plan when they come back, time will be wasted waiting on me trying to help everyone.
Clay repair on greenware or unfired clay can be done most times by adding a few drops of white vinegar and slip to both sides of the break and carefully pressing together. I use a small plastic bottle to keep the vinegar in that has an eye dropper end. If you get the broken piece back on, but are unsure if it will stay, add a drop or two of clear glaze on the crack line. It will not come off if it makes it through the firing process.
As the students get older and more familiar with clay, I give them more choices of things they can create out of clay. I always do a demonstration the week before to show them what they can create and how to use the tools correctly. This helps them have a good understanding when they come the following week. I explain that I am only one person and if they do not have a plan when they come back, time will be wasted waiting on me trying to help everyone.
