Introduction
Have you ever felt the primal urge to shape something with your own hands, to transform the raw earth into a beautiful and functional object? The allure of clay is timeless. From ancient pottery to modern art installations, this versatile material has captivated artists, artisans, and even home gardeners for centuries. But the question remains: where can you find this magical substance? For many, the thought of obtaining clay conjures images of arduous excavation and complicated processes. However, finding naturally occurring clay and commercial alternative doesn’t have to be a challenging ordeal.
Clay, at its heart, is simply finely-grained soil that contains minerals like silica and alumina. Its unique plasticity—the ability to be molded and retain its shape—makes it indispensable for pottery, sculpting, brick-making, and even gardening applications. Whether you’re a seasoned ceramicist or a curious beginner, knowing where to get your hands on clay is the first step in unleashing your creative potential. This article is designed to dispel the myth that acquiring clay is difficult. We’ll explore the easy way to get clay, both through accessing readily available commercial options and even by digging around in your own backyard or surrounding areas.
While finding naturally occurring clay can seem daunting, there are several easy and practical ways to source it, both from your own backyard and through readily available commercial options. This guide will empower you to source clay with confidence and embark on your creative journey without delay.
Finding Clay in Your Backyard (or Nearby)
One of the most rewarding easy way to get clay is to discover it right under your feet! With a little know-how, you might be surprised to find a hidden source of this valuable resource in your own backyard or a nearby accessible location.
Identifying Potential Clay Locations
Clay tends to accumulate in specific types of environments. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:
- Areas with poor drainage: Clay particles are so fine that they compact easily, preventing water from draining properly. Look for areas where water tends to pool after rain, such as the bottom of hills, near streams, or in spots where puddles linger for an extended period.
- Areas where plants don’t grow well: The same poor drainage that makes clay useful for holding water can also suffocate plant roots. Notice areas in your yard or nearby fields where vegetation struggles to thrive. This could indicate a high clay content in the soil.
- Construction sites (with permission!): Construction projects often involve excavating large amounts of earth. With the proper permission from the construction foreman, you may be able to collect clay from their sites.
Testing for Clay
Once you’ve identified a potential source, it’s time to put the soil to the test. Here are a few simple methods to determine if you’ve struck clay gold:
- The “feel” test: Moisten a handful of the soil with water. If it’s clay, it should feel remarkably smooth, sticky, and pliable. You should be able to easily mold it into a ball or shape.
- The “roll” test: Take that ball of wet soil and try rolling it between your hands to form a long, thin snake or coil. If the soil is clay, it will hold its shape without cracking or crumbling.
- The “jar” test: This is a more scientific approach. Fill a clear jar about halfway with soil from your potential source. Add water until the jar is nearly full, then seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously. Let the jar sit undisturbed for at least an hour, or preferably overnight. As the soil settles, you’ll notice distinct layers. The clay layer will be the finest and will settle on top of the sand and silt.
Tools Needed for Digging Clay
Now that you’ve identified your clay source, you’ll need a few basic tools to extract it:
- Shovel: A sturdy shovel is essential for digging into the earth and loosening the clay.
- Bucket: You’ll need a bucket to collect and transport the clay you dig up.
- Gloves: Protecting your hands from dirt and potential irritants is always a good idea.
Extracting and Processing Clay
Once you have the tool, here’s how to extract and process the clay
- Digging the clay: Begin digging at your identified location, carefully excavating the clay-rich soil. Dig enough for your needs
- Removing rocks and organic matter: As you dig, inspect the clay and remove any obvious rocks, roots, leaves, or other debris. The cleaner your clay is, the easier it will be to work with.
- Slaking (soaking in water): Place the clay in a large container and cover it with water. Allow the clay to soak for at least several hours, or preferably overnight. This process, called slaking, helps break down the clay particles and separate them from any remaining impurities.
- Screening or sieving the clay slurry: Once the clay has slaked, you’ll have a slurry – a mixture of clay and water. Pour the slurry through a fine-mesh screen or sieve to remove any remaining rocks, roots, or other unwanted materials. You can use a kitchen strainer or a specialized pottery sieve for this step.
- De-watering the clay: Now that you have a clean clay slurry, you’ll need to remove the excess water to achieve a workable consistency. There are several methods for doing this:
- Drying on a plaster slab: Pour the slurry onto a large plaster slab, which will absorb the water.
- Using a pillowcase: Pour the slurry into a clean pillowcase and hang it up to drip dry.
Important Considerations
Before you start digging, keep these points in mind:
- Safety: Wear gloves to protect your hands from potential skin irritation. If you’re digging in an area with uneven terrain, wear sturdy footwear to prevent slips and falls.
- Legality/Permissions: If you’re digging on land that isn’t your own, always obtain permission from the landowner first. Digging without permission can result in fines or legal trouble.
- Ethics: Be mindful of the environment. When you’re finished digging, fill in any holes you’ve created and leave the area as you found it. Avoid disturbing plant life or wildlife.
Buying Clay (Commercial Options)
While sourcing clay from the earth can be a rewarding experience, it’s not always practical or convenient. Fortunately, there are several easy way to get clay through commercial channels:
Art Supply Stores
Most art supply stores carry a selection of clay, making them an accessible option for hobbyists and beginners.
- Variety of clay types: Art supply stores typically stock a range of clay types, including earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and polymer clay. Earthenware is a low-fire clay that’s ideal for beginners, while stoneware and porcelain are high-fire clays that are more durable and suitable for functional pottery. Polymer clay is a synthetic clay that can be baked in a home oven.
- Pre-mixed and ready to use: The clay you find in art supply stores is usually pre-mixed and ready to use right out of the package, which saves you the time and effort of processing raw clay.
- Cost considerations: The cost of clay at art supply stores can vary depending on the type of clay, the brand, and the quantity you’re purchasing. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
Online Retailers
Online retailers like Amazon and Etsy offer a vast selection of clay at competitive prices.
- Wider selection and often better prices: Online retailers often have a wider selection of clay than brick-and-mortar stores, and they may offer better prices due to lower overhead costs.
- Read reviews carefully: Before purchasing clay online, be sure to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality of the product and the reliability of the seller.
- Shipping costs and handling: Keep in mind that shipping costs can add to the overall price of your clay purchase, especially for heavy or bulky items. Also, check the seller’s shipping policies to ensure that the clay will be handled properly during transit.
Ceramic Supply Companies
For serious potters and ceramic artists, ceramic supply companies are the go-to source for clay.
- Best option for large quantities or specialized clays: Ceramic supply companies specialize in providing materials and equipment for ceramics, so they typically offer a wider range of clay types and quantities than art supply stores or online retailers.
- May require a business account: Some ceramic supply companies may require you to have a business account to purchase from them. This is usually not a problem for professional artists or studios, but it may be a barrier for hobbyists.
- Located locally: Search online for “ceramic supply companies near me” to find local suppliers in your area.
Hardware and Gardening Store
One less common and easy way to get clay can be found at your local hardware or gardening store.
- Some hardware stores sell clay-based products
- Most hardware stores carry clay-based items such as mortar, grout, and sealant. If you’re looking to purchase clay, you could also check your local hardware store.
- Some gardening stores sell clay that you can use to make a base for you plants
- Gardening stores may carry clay to assist with the soil in your garden. This may be a good way to purchase a base for your plants.
Other Creative Clay Sources (Less Common)
While the methods above are the most common and reliable easy way to get clay, there are a few other creative sources you might consider:
Using Clay from Demolished Buildings/Construction (proceed with caution, ensure safety)
In some cases, you may be able to obtain clay from demolished buildings or construction sites. Bricks and other building materials are often made from clay. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when sourcing clay from these locations, as it may contain contaminants or hazardous materials. Always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and thoroughly inspect the clay before using it.
Reclaiming and Recycling Clay
If you’re a potter or ceramic artist, you can save money and reduce waste by reclaiming and recycling your own clay scraps. Simply collect your unfired clay scraps, break them up into small pieces, and soak them in water until they’re completely slaked. Then, screen the slurry to remove any impurities and de-water the clay as described above.
Using Clay from the river
Clay is an extremely diverse thing. You might be able to extract clay from the river. In order to find the clay, you may have to search through the banks and along the shore. Make sure to bring tools such as buckets and shovels to extract the clay.
Conclusion
As you can see, the easy way to get clay is more accessible than you might have thought. Whether you choose to dig it from the earth, purchase it from a store, or reclaim it from your own studio, clay is readily available for anyone who wants to work with it. With a little bit of effort and ingenuity, you can find the perfect source of clay for your needs and embark on a creative journey that will connect you with the earth and unleash your artistic potential.
Embrace the challenge of experimenting with different methods and discovering what works best for you. The rewarding experience of shaping clay with your own hands is well worth the effort. Go ahead, get your hands dirty and let the earth inspire your creativity!
