Clay in Class

Reflection by Jennifer Koons from California Art Education Association (CAEA) Conference, Los Angeles, 2009
Workshop: Paper Clay in the Classroom sponsored by Laguna Clay Co., Friday, November 13, 2009
Project: Paper Clay Totem by Presenter David Gilbaugh

What are the benefits of using Laguna’s Paper Clay in the classroom?

• less dust
• no firing needed
• lightweight
• attach pieces easily
• mural projects

As we discussed in this workshop with David, there are many benefits of using paper clay in the classroom.  There are many types of paper clay:  a high fire, a low fire, a white or buff, as well as many varieties in texture.  Pieces made using the low fire paper clay can be fired to 1850 degrees Fahrenheit, but they do not have to be fired.  They also have strength as unfired pieces. What a benefit for teachers interested in using clay but with the limitations of no kiln on site. Ceramic pieces made using the high fire paper clay can be fired between 2151 to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s it made of and why does it work?

The clay part of paper clay is made of alumina, silica, talc and other additives like feldspar, potassium and sodium.  Kaolin is the purest form of clay.  Paper fiber is added to hold Laguna’s Paper Clay together.  This is what makes the paper clay so agreeable.  The water is able to wick in and out through the paper fibers, similar to a straw, making it easy to use for students.  It can be common for students to work on the same piece over a lengthy period.  Paper Clay lends itself to sculptural work.  The paper pulp oxidizes in the firing, therefore kiln ventilation is an essential factor.  It was also suggested in the class that paper clay can be one of the best raku materials where high thermal shock is a factor.

The lesson plan presented using Paper Clay was the Paper Clay Totem.  The attached lesson plan with California Standards for grade levels 3^rd, 4^th, 7^th, and 8^th outlines vocabulary, materials, motivation, procedure, directions, assessment and extensions.   Basically, the PVC pipe is sunk into a 5 quart bucket to form the base.  Then Laguna’s Paper Clay is used to create cylindrical shapes that surround the pipe and can be stacked on one another.  Figures can be attached and symbols carved to add details on the cylinders and tell a story.  Finally, the class’ totem pole is glazed and then it can be fired.  The beauty of paper clay is that if no kiln is available, when the piece is bone dry, it can be painted with acrylics and still preserved.  A decorative piece of artwork is created, but keep in mind that when it is not fired, it is unsuitable for food or drink consumption.

To make attachments easier, David says, “The magic is in the slip.”  He makes his slip with paper clay and water.  Then he adds a defloculent like sodium silicate.  Use heavy wire tools to score both sides of the ceramic piece and the attachment.  This should be done on bone dry pieces.  Add it together once they are wet and count to seven.  Yes-seven seconds!  One common mistake David cautioned us about was squeezing out all of the slip when attaching two pieces together.  Leave a thirty secondth of an inch and don’t smoosh out all of the slip.

The educators in the workshop talked about how students feel when a piece they had been working on for a long time gets broken.  Some students are just devastated.  Another benefit to using this paper clay is that because of the paper content, if…or when it gets broken…as we saw David demonstrate when he dropped one of his totem pieces that were unfired, the paper clay breaks into bigger chunks. It doesn’t shatter typically so in some cases, it can be repaired.  David has even repaired his paper clay molds when they break, versus having to throw the mold away when it is made with other material without paper pulp.

Thick versus Thin?

Where’s the strength in paper clay?  Some participants have experienced rolling out paper clay nearly as thin as paper and then cutting it with scissors.  Of course, the normal caution is there for the frailty in anything too thin, but the capabilities of Laguna’s paper clay seem to stretch our imagination.

Classroom Management

A major issue talked about during David’s class was mold, not just any mold, but that smelly dark mold that can permeate clay made with paper pulp.  Laguna’s Paper Clay only has a 30 day warranty, but David has been able to store his paper clay for up to 6 months in a dry, cool spot, like his garage, without any mold invading.  We talked about mold issues, especially with pieces worked on over one month.  One option is to squirt a disinfectant over it.  Wait 3-5 minutes and then wipe away the growing mold and disinfectant with a cloth.  We discussed the safety issues of using diluted bleach and the regulations in a classroom.  To retard mold, store the clay in a cool place.  Another way to retard mold is to let the piece dry.

As far as behavior management with throwing clay, educators talked about creative ways to establish norms.  One policy that seems to have positive results is when students know the standards of behavior and the consequences.  No airborne clay and all clay is always used appropriately are norms of behavior.  No warnings!!  Some possible consequences suggested by participants include being suspended from the class or an end to projects.

Planning on using the Totem Pole project in your classroom? View some of David Gilbaugh’s tips for classroom management.

What Do You Think About Paper Clay?

If you have experience using Paper Clay, please share with us.  We would love to post photos and lesson plans of any projects where educators are using Paper Clay.  What are some of the benefits you and your students have experienced using Laguna’s Paper Clay?