How to RECYCLE CLAY SCRAPS - The Complete NON-MESSY METHOD

[@gazorna]

This looks like a much better way to recycle from a small studio. Clean and contained. Thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome 😍 You're right. It really is a more contained, cleaner, and more convenient way to recycle. 😊

[@meganaugustin2170]

The cat cameo was awesome! Thanks again, this is going to help us a lot!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Glad it was helpful! 😍

[@defyant1]

Marie, love this...and I've followed your lead to recycle from the start and so glad I did. However, I just save my dried scraps in the pillow case. When I'm ready to recycle, I just take my pillow case full of dried scraps outside and break up the clay pieces while it is inside the pillowcase, then tie it up and do the water dunk. Saves a step of dumping it out and then picking it up and avoids the dust. Always looking for ways to work smarter!

[@saraparker184]

looks like you might need some safety glasses 🥽 too. thank you for showing how to do this!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes, thanks. I tried breaking up the clay in the pillow case but I couldn't see the chucks of clay. 😀You can leave the big chucks. It will just take a little longer to soften. 😁

[@alyssadenezaugg]

The process is so clean it's magical! I am a ceramics teacher at a high school and I am going to try this in my classroom!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Alyssa. I didn't want to recycle or waste the clay, so I had to figure out the cleanest and easiest way. Glad to help 😊 If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[@rabxb5847]

This is really smart!! Just gave it a try. I work from home, I don’t have a studio so this is perfect for me. Thank you so much!

[@lheurebleue5025]

Damn you are the best, the most important part is that we do not need that drill tool that is expensive hahah . thank you!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you very much. It sure is a lot less messy and expensive 😀

[@tlccreates]

I have set up this system in my home studio. I am learning to throw and have LOTS of slippy water after each session so I just dump it in the pillow case lined bucket then tie is up and hang to drip away. It takes longer to drip out so I have a couple buckets set up in the garage for this. Benefit of dripping thru the pillowcase is that it goes right thru the sieve when I want to keep some slip for slip trailing. Thank you for all of your helpful videos.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is Excellent! Thank you so much for sharing. I was at Clay Con West and we were just talking about this method. That is great that you can use all the clay. No waste!!

[@shotglass512]

Thank you for all your tips ❤

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome! It works great for me. I hope it does for you also. 😍

[@gwendoleeeen]

Loved your video ✨🙌🏻

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you! So glad it's helpful 😊

[@danielaihl7529]

Hi Marie! Thanks for posting this- I'm looking in to setting up a home studio for myself and until now, I had thought this process was a lot trickier! Your videos have been a huge help for me :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much for letting me know. That is great to hear. 😍 I also struggled with that. I didn't want to waste clay so I had to think of a less messy and easier way to do it.

[@sonyachia9786]

Hi Marie! I like your videos and your voice:) When I was child, my mum put rice mike in cotton bag and hang that. next day, we could use rice doughy to make sweet dumpling. Thanks for recalling my memories.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is wonderful 😍 Thanks for sharing!!

[@cindythomas5475]

This a great method to recycle clay. I’ve done 20 pounds so far in 2 batches. Thank you for sharing!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome Cindy 😊 That's great to hear. Thanks for sharing. It sure does make recycling easier and less messy 😍

[@thefrugalcrafter]

thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Lindsay!

[@goldpilot100]

Excellent addition to your first recycle vid. You answered some questions I had too. For example it is best to let scraps go to bone dry. THANK YOU!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are most welcome. Glad it was helpful. I like slamming the clay around in the pillowcase. If the clay is not ready to wedge and I can't keep an eye on it I put the pillowcase in a plastic bag and bring it out in the morning. 😊

[@tomtruett1946]

This is wonderful! I tried it! I love it! So little mess and fuss-thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great!!! 😍 Thank you for sharing. I could not stand recycling but I refused to throw the clay away. I knew I had to find a better way. It worked so well for me I had to share with fellow potters. So glad it works for you too. I just finished saving around 40 pounds of clay in 6 pillowcases. 😀

[@brybasaur]

Thank you SO much for posting this. I just did it in my tiny apartment and worked perfectly!

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is Fantastic! 😍 So glad it helped.

[@fekphotography]

Brilliant! I am getting all the equipment & components to start making pottery at home, and know what a mess recycling clay can be. I’m eager to get my studio up and running and utilizing this method of recycling clay. Thank you so much for all your videos. I’ve learned so much from you!

[@PotteryCrafters]

So true I did not want to waste clay but recycling was so messy. This way makes it so easy for me. Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting pottery, Frances. 😍

[@lucygilbart2509]

thanks for sharing your way. I will try it next time. I have 2 buckets of clay ready to recycle

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Lucy. That's great. It sure makes recycling easier for me. I hope it does for you as well. If you have time or remember let me know how it goes. 😊

[@Creativjess]

Wow... this is a revelation! Thank you for all your videos, they are very helpful, encouraging and always a pleasure to watch 😊💖

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Jess. Glad they are helpful! 😍

[@aishwaryaverma6082]

This is the best way I have watched. 100 of video any this is so clear and clean ❤️❤️❤️

[@PotteryCrafters]

Wow, thank you! 😍 I have saved so much clay this way. Glad to help 😊

[@minimoustache6151]

Thank you Marie! Perfect for my new home studio! I thought it would be soo much more difficult 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're so welcome Mini. That is great to hear. 😍

[@chrisdawson3859]

Best ever way I have seen to reconstitute clay! YAY!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks Chris 😍 It sure is 😊

[@dianemoore5985]

Ingenious!! Looks easy, and the hammering is therapeutic 😂

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks, Diane. Yes, it is. It makes recycling much easier for me, that's why I had to share it. I was determined to find an easier less messy way to recycle. I really didn't want to waste any clay. Let me know how it works for you. 😍 You can also check out my first recycling video to pick up another tip or 2. It was actually the 3rd video I ever made. Here's the link for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHi7fJSHftWjq9E 😊

[@maryjeanallen6189]

Thanks, Marie! Love your pillowcase, drying rack, & hook & bucket method! Love Lucky, too!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you MaryJean 😊 She wanted to help me recycle 😍

[@janetwilson1861]

You always have such practical tips. Your method sure beats what I do for recycling my clay and far cleaner - I will definitely try your method. Enjoyable watching Lucky the cat help you, too. :-)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, Janet. I have saved so much clay this way. I just couldn't do it the other way. Glad to help 😍 If you can't keep an eye on the clay, just put the pillowcase with clay in a plastic bag and take it out when you are back in the studio. 😊

[@knightclan4]

Well, this will be my method for reclaiming clay Thanks

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great Rick! This method really does make it easier. And if you can't keep an eye on it just put it in a plastic bag and take it out when you are back in the studio so it doesn't dry out on you. 😊👍

[@anjaligoley7795]

Wow this looks like a really smart method! I think I would try doing the smashing up step with it inside the pillow case as well. You would probably wear out your pillowcases faster but would contain the dust a little more especially if working indoors. I used that method when I was smashing up crockery and glass to use in a mosaic once and it kept all the glass dust and shards contained.

[@PotteryCrafters]

COOL !! Yes you are right it will cut down on the dust and yes it may wear out the pillow case faster. The only problem I had with that was not seeing the chunks to smash😍 Thank you for sharing 😊

[@sandracartica4932]

Great technique! I will be doing my recycling this way from now on!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Sandra. Wonderful! It really makes recycling easier. And less messy 😀

[@mandugirl6409]

I just tried this method and it worked so well! Thank you for sharing :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great to hear! Once you get the hang of it, it's pretty quick and easy to do. 👍😊

[@luanahaigood278]

Thank you so much. Newbie hear

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Luana, welcome to the wonderful world of Pottery. I'm glad to be helpful on your pottery crafting journey. 😍

[@preciousnunez8514]

You're awesome Marie! I love your videos so much, keep it up!❤️

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much, Precious!!😍 I have 3 pillowcases full of clay on the wedging board right now and I was just thinking I don't know what I would if I didn't think of this technic. 😀

[@preciousnunez8514]

@@PotteryCrafters Super cool and creative technique, I’m definitely giving this a try. Thank you and have fun with that! Haha

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks Precious, It's times like this when I wish I had a pugmill 😀😊

[@denisesarazin6753]

Great method, especially for handbuilding scraps. Do you have tricks for dealing with throwing scraps+water?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. I just came back from vacation.😊 Yes here is the video for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHSeaF-a696Y9E

[@auroraskies8827]

This video was just what I needed today, thank you so much Marie. I appreciate your videos, knowledge and skills.

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is great to hear, Aurora. As I was recycling some of my clay the other day, I was thinking of how much easier it is to handle the clay in the pillowcase before it's ready to be wedged. 😊

[@auroraskies8827]

@@PotteryCrafters Absolutely , efficient and less messy, love learning good habits as I start out.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Welcome to the wonderful world of crafting pottery. I'm happy to help you on your journey. 😊

[@WhiteStoneCottagePottery]

I’ve seen variations of this system but this one seems easiest. I’ve asked friends for their old pillow cases. 😉

[@PotteryCrafters]

It sure is for me so I had to share. I did not want recycle at all but I hated to waste clay so had to think of something. Slamming the clay around in the pillow case does make it less messy. If you don't have time to keep an eye on the clay just place the pillow case in a plastic bag until you are make in your studio. If you have any questions feel free to ask. 😊

[@gojec29]

THANK FOR THIS WONDERFULL VDO IT'REALLY GOOD ...

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are most welcome Jean. Thank you for watching 😍

[@Eclecticcelestial]

Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Melanin. It really makes recycling much easier for me. That's why I had to share. 👍

[@KatAtkinson]

You have kitty video bombs too lol. Great tips on how to recycle the clay. Do you find any problems when you recycle multiple times?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Had to keep the Kitty in there 😄 Thanks Kat. Good question, No I haven't had any problems with recycling multiple times. Plus some new scraps are always mixed in with the recycled clay. 😊

[@taramatthews6192]

That was impressive thanks.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. It's the only and easiest way for me to recycle. Hope it works as well for you. 😊

[@carlaastaphan8769]

I like this. Going to do it

[@PotteryCrafters]

If you have time let me know how it works for you!

[@carlaastaphan8769]

​@@PotteryCrafters so far it's hanging. The clay fully melted overnight. I am in the Caribbean so I will see how long it takes

[@PotteryCrafters]

The Caribbean! Very Cool! I like slamming the clay around and flattening it in the pillow case. 😀

[@Nenfish]

I am crushing fired clay that hasn’t been glazed. Because clay is heavier than water, I allow the clay particles to sink then pour off the water. I love the hanging pillow case idea. If I pour my slurry in to the pillow slip it should dry out over time. I will have to figure out the grog part. My damp slurry needs some body. Thanks

[@PotteryCrafters]

Your welcome. That's very interesting. You make your own Grog. Yes I do that with my clay slurry from wheel throwing. I use a 500 ml syringe to take the water out without disturbing the clay on the bottom. Yes the clay will dry over time. But because the slurry contains so much water and the clay particles are very tiny. Clay will seep through the pillow case as it dries.

[@missprettysunshine]

Hi Marie ! Thank you so much for sharing ! I saw that the water in the bucket was cloudy after taking the pillow case away. Did the small clay particules that contribute to the overall plasticity of the clay go through the pillowcase ? Thanks in advance for your answer !

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're most welcome Miss pretty sunshine 😊 Great question. You will get clay particles that slip through the pillowcase. All clay particles are very tiny. Recycling has not affected the plasticity of my clay at all. In fact, if mold grows on your clay before you dry it out, the mold will add to the plasticity. These questions are important when learning the art of pottery crafting. 😍

[@missprettysunshine]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you so much for having taken time to answer ! I look forward to recycling my clay with your method !

[@PotteryCrafters]

Glad to help. Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns 😊

[@vickivanriel3082]

I'm going to try this method Thank you🤩

[@PotteryCrafters]

Awsome 😍 It works great and when you leave the studeo you can wrap it in plastic until your back in the studio to keep an eye on it 👍

[@iridaselini]

Thank you for the awesome video, Marie! I'll definitely be using this method for my clay scraps. But I was wondering, how do you recycle the slip that you end up with from throwing? Do I still have to do it the old fashioned way?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Irida 😍 It really makes recycling easier for me. I have another recycle video where I show what I do with my throwing clay here's the link for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHi7fJSHftWjq9E It's about 4 minutes into the video 😊

[@lilisof1]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo, essayé et adopté 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

C'est merveilleux. De rien 😍 That is wonderful. You are most welcome

[@kishayoung9321]

Great information! Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Kisha 😍

[@kathleenanderson5030]

Love this video!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. It's the easiest way for me to recycle. If I have to leave the studio, I put the clay and pillowcase in a plastic bag. Now, all I need is a pugmill. 😄

[@michaell9158]

Cool easy to recycle clay. My method is more involved and has to do with home made plaster trays a a sledge hammer lol. I will try your easy way. I can recycle more clay my way though. 😉

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's funny 😀 I came up with this way of recycling because the other ways were too messy and I kept leaving the clay on the plaster too long. This way is great because if I leave the studio I can throw the clay that's in the pillowcases in a plastic bag until I can keep an eye on them. I hate it when the clay over dries and you have to do it over again. Hope this method works well for you also. Let's Stay dirty 😊

[@wwpetko-6760]

Brilliant!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you!😊

[@caseysidwell3260]

Thanks Marie! Great video! Is there a particular type of wood board do you use to wedge on?

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are most welcome. Here is a post with surfaces for you to choose from. My favorites are oak or maple wood. There is the link to help you choose. potterycrafters.com/best-surfaces-for-hand-building/

[@debbiecote3993]

Hi, I absolutely love this video! This is so easy. What can I do if my clay is not dried out? I've been keeping my leftovers damp in a bag for weeks. Should I dry them out? Or can I just put them in a bag in the water? I love that you answer your questions. You're the best.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Debbie. Thank you. Yes, I would dry the clay out first. It really does make a difference and helps even out the moisture in the clay, making it easier to recycle. 😊

[@debbiecote3993]

@@PotteryCrafters well, aren't you a sweetie?! Thanks for the quick reply. I'm off to get more buckets!

[@gabriellame1815]

This is great tip! Thank you! I will definitely try next time. My method far more messy, meaning I do it not very often. Just one question: do you wash/clean the pillowcase after one use? Or it’s not needed?

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome! 😍 Great question Gabriella. No need to wash them unless you are recycling a different clay body. I just rinse them out. I found they last longer that way. 😊

[@gabriellame1815]

I got it, thank you so much!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Glad I could help. It really does make recycling easier 😀

[@tuchiramirez5038]

Thank you, Marie, very useful tips, I will follow them! Could you tell me, can I mix and reuse leftovers of clay that have been died in different colors, or painted with colored slip or underglaze? Thank you in advance for your help!💖

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi, Sure can. Especially if it is the same clay body. If the clays are different. It is best if you test fire because you have made a new clay body. Hope you end up with some cool colors. 😊

[@quitelauren]

Your videos are endlessly helpful, thank you ☺️

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you so much Lauren 💖

[@freedomstaying-free8162]

Can I ask what you treat your wood wood work surface with to prevent the clay from sticking? Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a good question. If my clay sticks to the wood, I sprinkle a little cornstarch on the wood. It works great, and the cornstarch burns off the clay in the Kiln. 😊

[@Lauragld]

Thanks so much...so helpful! How do you clean the pillow cases??? I'm always concerned about my rags or anything I use with clay...what to do? ☺

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are so welcome! Great question. If it's the same clay body, I just dry it out and throw the pillowcase away when it wears out. Or you can clean the pillowcases with the rags by hand and then follow the instructions for depositing clay water. Here is the link for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHSeaF-a696Y9E 😊

[@Creativeseams7]

Thank you for your excellent helpful videos. Do you have any advice on how to clean my messy clay filled clothes and towels? I live in an old house with questionable pipes. Thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes great question. I wash the clay out in a bucket and throw the water outside. Or you can use a sink trap geni.us/Ju9KG7 😊

[@normaclemmer3514]

Thats very informative

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Norma. It really does make recycling a lot easier for me. 😊

[@islandgirrrl1]

Thank you for this clever, less messy method! Would you please advise what to do with the very slurry-ish throwing water? After letting it sit and pouring away the top, clear water, do you somehow get it back into you reclaimed clay? I heard it's ideal for plasticity. Thank you!

[@islandgirrrl1]

I just found your method in your video about clay water! Thank you so much for your great tips!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are most welcome! 😊

[@explodingstatue]

Question: Is cardboard an alternative to the plaster/wooden drying surface? It is absorbent… Thank you for this amazing video!! ❤

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Glory, I never have, but I would do a test with a small amount of clay. I'm thinking only for a drying surface like you would use newspaper. I would NOT use it for wedging on or really wet clay. 😍

[@explodingstatue]

@@PotteryCrafters ahh alright. Thank you for the reply, and thanks for all the work you do! 🙂

[@alanbennett8515]

What a really good method. Just one thing though. Why not just place the bone dry clay into a pillow case before you smash it? No dust and nothing to clear up later?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, Alan. That is a very good question. You could do it that way. I tried but could not see the chunks of clay. I was doing a lot of hit and miss and it took longer. 😊

[@kirbysidlo6877]

Hi and thanks again for a very informative clip. I am new to pottery and when ever I trim a slap I always quickly wad up the trimmings and put them back into the plastic bad with unused clay. I keep a damp small sponge in the bag too. Is there a better way ?

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome, Kirby. That is a great way to keep your clay moist. I do it that way also. You can recycle your clay when it gets too hard then let it dry out all the way and rehydrate it this way. 😊👍

[@heidithepotter2479]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome Heidi 😊

[@alisonjordan1152]

Just watching you recycle clay can you put it in a bag then smash it with a hammer until it’s broken down? Or do you have to smash it this way to get it small.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Alison, Yes you want the bone dry clay to be in smaller chucks so it absorbs into the clay faster and more evenly. 😊

[@alejandracarrettiero4960]

Thanks!! I vove that technique! 😍. I have a question... If You know your clay is not clean enough (like have little sponge or wood parts) what is the best way to clean it? Make a liquid mix and use an strainer first? Thanks! Your videos are very good explained and detailed. Alejandra from Argentina!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Alejandra from Argentina 😊 You are most welcome. Yes that is exactly what you should do. 👍

[@alejandracarrettiero4960]

@@PotteryCrafters 😉 I will! Thanks for answer!

[@kathylee3775]

Excellant,

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Kathy 😊

[@alexiaorisderoa7327]

This is great! Question: why didn't you break up the clay with the hammer inside the pillowcase. its much easier. Also, why dont you put the pillow case on the rack over the bucket instead of hanging it on a hook? Thanks! I'm trying it today.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, Alexia. 😊Those are both good questions. I have broken up the clay in the pillow case but I couldn't really see the chunks and it was hit or miss. 😀 Personally I like hooking the pillowcase up on a tree branch or over a bucket. But yes you can lay it on the rack also. I see no reason why you couldn't, the air will still get to the clay. 👍

[@reemalhusain5515]

Great! Thank you. My clay has a very bad smell after drying, how can I eliminate it?😔

[@reemalhusain5515]

Can i add vinegar? To elimniate the smell

[@PotteryCrafters]

Yes you can. All clay has some amount of mold. Mold helps with forming the clay, but I don't like the smell. So I use vinegar.

[@reemalhusain5515]

Is there a specific standard for the amount of vinegar?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question. You can start with a few tablespoons and add more as needed depending upon the amount of clay you have. If you have clay slurry can also use a little bleach. The presence of bleach in the slurry does not impact the qualities of the clay as the unstable chlorine in bleach dissipates within a few days. When it's time to dry out or reuse the clay, simply discontinue adding bleach.

[@ragazzinayankee]

Wow, awesome!!! Thanks!!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're so welcome 😍 I have saved so much clay doing it this way. Plus if you can't keep an eye on it you can easily wrap it in plastic. 😊

[@ragazzinayankee]

@@PotteryCrafters Your technique simplifies what I was doing sooooooo much!!! I used to put the wet clay on a towel and on a large colander and... wait! The pillow case, the way to drip, it is just fantastic. You got a new fan! ... and thanks for the super fast and nice reply.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you 😍Welcome to pottery crafters 👍

[@ragazzinayankee]

@@PotteryCrafters Thanks to You for dedicating time and effort helping people like me to enjoy pottery making even more. Knowledge is power. You are giving us that as a gift. I really apreciatte it.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you, There is a lot that goes into making pottery. 😊 I'm glad I can help make it a little easier and understandable.

[@elel1036]

this is sooooo cool!!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thanks 😊 I had to figure out a less messy easier way to save my clay. It works so well I had to share 👍😃

[@elel1036]

Pottery Crafters indeed! This is the smartest way I’ve seen and I’m so impressed when seeing how smooth the clay was coming out from the pillow case! Thanks for sharing❤️

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are most welcome !!!

[@nikkibaker3067]

Does the pillow case fabric matter?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question. I found that it does not. 😊

[@marisakubler2347]

Hi Marie, thanks for this amazing tip! How will I dry out the sludge or other very wet clay from throwing? Do you have a tip for that?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Marisa. Great Question. In this video I show you how you can depose of and recycle your sludge. It works well for me. I hope it will for you as well. Here is the link for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHSeaF-a696Y9E

[@ladysbizz500]

Hi Marie.... excellent video as always. Question about stains. Does the oxide need to be mixed with a frit? Or will oxide and water work?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you Marilyn 😊 oxides with water are fine. Some potters will use frit to help it stick to the clay. I personally haven't added frit. 😊

[@donnaprior8600]

Could you also just simply put the wet clay that is in the pillowcase directly on top of the rack that is on top of the 5 gallon bucket? Or, does it need to be hanging like you have it hung from the rack?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you for the suggestion. Yes I think that would also be a good less messy way of doing it. 😊

[@JillMorganfield-fj6pf]

What fabric is your pillowcase? I have tried several and they all seem too thick and hold too much moisture!

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Jill. The terry cloth pillow cases work the best for me. You could also try putting a little less clay in the pillow cases at a time. I put 5 to 8 pounds in each pillow case at a time which is more manageable for me. I hope this helps. My first video on recycling may help also. Here is the link for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHi7fJSHftWjq9E

[@susanhart9923]

what if you use several brands of clay. Do they need to be separated and them broken up?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question. I keep mine separate. However you can mix them but they will turn into another clay body so you will have to test fire. Here is an article with further explain potterycrafters.com/can-pottery-clay-be-mixed/

[@laureean9785]

I have a block of air dry clay that the packaging got a hole in and it dried out, can that be recycled using this method as well?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Good question Lauree. I have been told you can but I have not tried it with air dry clay yet. I'm not sure because of the composition of the air dry clay is different. You can take a little piece of the dried clay and see if it works.

[@ckmw]

Good grief so much less mess - must try this! Thanks Marie! Have to any plans to do colour clay work or nerikome please?

[@PotteryCrafters]

It sure is. I hated the mess and had to figure out a better way to recycle. I don't waste any clay since I started doing it this way.😍 Thanks for the suggestion. I do have a video on making colored clay if you haven't seen it and are interested. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG3mYallqiKrNk

[@slothathogwarts5819]

@@PotteryCrafters such a shame I still have to deal with my small bucket of wet messy scraps first before switching methods 🙃

[@PotteryCrafters]

This is my first recycle video. It may help with recycling your wet clay. Here is the link for you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHi7fJSHftWjq9E 😊

[@itzakpoelzig330]

It's just like making cheese! 🤣🧀

[@PotteryCrafters]

🤣😀

[@meghanlaurie8178]

Thank you for the tips! Is it okay to wash the pillowcase in a washer and dryer after? Or will the clay particles cause any sort of build up?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Meghan. Good question. I would not recommend it. I wash my pillowcases with my rags by hand. I never wash them in the washer because, over time, the clay particles will build up in the pipes. Here is the link to a video on what I do with my dirty clay water and slurry kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqHSeaF-a696Y9E

[@AyeSha-iv4sb]

Is this technique used for air dry clay as well?

[@PotteryCrafters]

good question. I have not personally recycled air-dry clay. Because the ingredients of air-dry clay are different from natural clay I would take a small amount and test it out to see if it works. 😊

[@AyeSha-iv4sb]

@@PotteryCrafters yes please and share with rest of us your valuable info regarding this. Thanks

[@PotteryCrafters]

Sure will 👍

[@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

Great vid! So if you have different clays do you keep them separate or just throw them all together? Are there certain clays that cant mix? 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you. Great question. It is best to keep them separate. If you mix them all together you do change the clay body. So you would have to do a test tile to make sure your glaze marries with the new clay body. The only time you can NOT is if you have different firing temperature clays they must stay separate. 😊

[@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

@PotteryCrafters Thanks so much! Glad I dint just start dumping all together ❤️ lol

[@PotteryCrafters]

Happy to help. That was an important question.

[@lilqueeniescraftingismypassion]

@PotteryCrafters hello 👋, does not mixing clay also apply to slips?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question. Yes, I found it best to use the same clay and slip, because you will have the same shrinkage rate and know the clay gets along with the slip. Some potters don't, but I don't want to take the chance.

[@cathywood4874]

Hello from Australia👋 I am interested about firing green ware pottery that has been glazed. Is it essential to fire pottery twice ? I don’t have a kiln so I am thinking of the easiest alternative to finish my pots. Cheers, Cathy

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi, Cathy 😊 Very good question. Yes, it is entirely possible to single fire. Many seasoned potters do it with great success, but you have to be careful to fire at a slow rate of speed allowing the gases to escape from the clay. This article should help explain the bisque process in detail. Here is the link potterycrafters.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-bisque-firing/ 😊

[@soulwinds31]

Dumb question from a newbie..how long once you had it on the board checking it? 😁

[@PotteryCrafters]

No pottery question is dumb. 😊 I check mine every few hours. Then when you feel the clay and it's starting to harden a bit keep a closer eye on it until it is wedgeable. 😊 If you have to leave your clay unattended for a long time you can always wrap it in plastic so it doesn't dry out. 😍

[@mikaelak90]

Is it ok to mix different kinds of clay in reclaim bucket?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question. You can but if you do you will change the clay body. Here is a post for more detailed information on it potterycrafters.com/can-pottery-clay-be-mixed/ 😊

[@momadhis]

Hi Marie, thanks for clarifying so many misteries for me. could you tell me about sponges. I was given a bag of used sponges from a ceramic class... some are good sponges but some crumble. Obviously I have kept the good ones but I wonder if the crumbly ones could be recycled, reconstituted or cut off the crumbly parts ?

[@momadhis]

I loved the clay recycling video. I will be able to save much more clay now. :)

[@PotteryCrafters]

Great question 😊 unfortunately when the sponges start to crumble you can't use them on your pottery because tiny pieces will attach to your pottery. I have had this happen thinking I could save them and the crumbles from the sponge have ruined my glaze and left holes in my bisqueware. When it starts to crumble you have to toss it or use it for something else. 😊

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's great to hear 😍 It sure has saved me a lot of clay 😊

[@momadhis]

@@PotteryCrafters thank you

[@corieyae7121]

Thanks for the tips. However, if dry clay is that bad so you need to waer the mask...... don't you think it is also not good for your cat?

[@PotteryCrafters]

You're welcome. 😊 Actually Kitty is rarely in my studio or around my clay. That was the first and only time she did that. I think she just wanted to be in the video 😃😀

[@bradfoster7771]

Can finished ceramic be turned back into clay or does the kiln change the clay too much?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That's a very good question. Yes, you are right the kiln changes the clay into ceramic material and can not be turned back into Clay. 😊

[@bradfoster7771]

@@PotteryCrafters This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@sylviefeys744]

Hello Marie, i pour my rest of the wheel in a bucket, the clay sinks and then i pour out the water above it, can i also do this technique with the rests of it? Also i hear that i have to be carefull with glaze rests, can i wash them in the sink? thank you

[@PotteryCrafters]

Hi Sylvie. Those are both good questions. Yes, you can. I do. I dry that clay out, break it up and recycle it. I've tried getting the clay into a pillowcase before it dries out but I haven't figured out how to do that successfully without making a big mess. I'm still trying to figure that one out. 😍 Most glazes are non-toxic but I don't like poring glazes down the drain. Here is a post on disposing of and or recycling your glazes that will help. Here is the link for you potterycrafters.com/properly-disposing-of-and-recycling-pottery-glazes/ 😊

[@heididerksen8227]

Hello wondering if you can tell me how to tell if your reclaimed clay is good or not. I'm not sure if mine is still good, I am just learning pottery and wondering how to tell if it's good or not. I've received it and dried it out a bit and wedged it but it feels different then from the bag?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Welcome to the wonderful world of pottery crafting, Heidi. It may feel different depending on a few things. If you use different clay bodies and mix them together. If mold grew on the clay before you recycled it. And if anything else was introduced to the clay beforehand. The good news is it is very hard to ruin clay. You may end up with a new clay body if different clays are used. You may end up with a more plastic (moldable) clay if mold formed, and the feel would be different if anything else was introduced. This would burn off in the bisque fire. if you are still unsure, you can always test fire the clay first. It is best not to waste good clay 😊

[@heididerksen8227]

@@PotteryCrafters thank you so much

[@vwdeathwishwv6498]

I also have a cat named lucky shes a mainecoon

[@PotteryCrafters]

Great name for a cat!! I'll bet your cat is three times heavier. Mine is only 8 pounds.

[@karahowery6760]

When I tried recycling all the way from bone dry I had to use a mixer to get the lumps out that didn't get back to the same consistency. I made sure all the bone dry bits were approximately half inch or less so they weren't very big, I'm not sure where it went wrong. You said going from bone dry will keep you from having lumps. I'm curious about any tips you have so it all reconstitutes evenly.

[@PotteryCrafters]

Very good question Kara. When I take my clay out of the water I check it first and feel the pillowcase with my fingers to see if all of the clay lumps have dissolved. Sometimes it takes longer especially if the water is colder. If I feel any lumps I put the clay back in the bucket to soak longer. I hope this helps 😊

[@karahowery6760]

Do you feel that recycled clay is grittier? As I'm throwing it now it definitely seems grittier on my hands and I seem to hit dry spots a lot more often despite wedging and wedging and wedging! Suggestions on that?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question, Kara. 😊 My clay has not felt gritty, but that has more to do with the type of clay you use and if it contains any grog or sand. Mine does not have sand or grog in it. This the link to one of the clays I use geni.us/AmacoStoneware38White It actually becomes more workable when recycled. Yes, you are right, you sure do have to wedge it a lot. I also have a video on wedging that may be helpful. Here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/goekl2ODh6yCqbM If you have dry spots you may need to soak your clay in water longer.

[@Skankylemons]

If you have wet clay, can you still use this method, just soak for less and hand to dry?

[@PotteryCrafters]

Very good question. Yes, you can but the water will take much longer to penetrate through the clay. The dry clay absorbs much faster and more evenly. That's just the nature of clay. 😊

[@momadhis]

I have used B Mix, and saved to recycle or reclaim but it turned dark (and very stinky). It does feel like it would work again but how save is it ? why did it turn dark?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is mold which is naturally in all clay but only a little. When left wet with oxygen mold will start to grow, that's why I dry my clay scraps out right away. The mold is actually good for the clay it makes it more plastic ( better to work with) It's only bad if you are allergic to mold. If so you have to throw it away. 😊 Let me know if you have any more questions

[@momadhis]

@@PotteryCrafters Thank you that is very useful and explains a lot. I thought wet clay was so much easier to reclaim but i see the value in drying it to reclaim later.

[@PotteryCrafters]

You are welcome. Glad to help 😊

[@cjbird7121]

Why not break it up in the pillowcase?

[@PotteryCrafters]

That is a very good question. I tried it but I was having a hard time seeing the chunks of clay that I needed to break up. You actually have less clay dust flying around if you can do it that way. 😊

[@jedgould5531]

Mr. Rogers’ wife

[@PotteryCrafters]

Thank you for that wonderful compliment 😍