Paper clay is a mix of clay that the artist augments with the cellulose contained in paper. In centuries past, it was straw that would be mixed with clay – the biblical story of the Exodus highlights this practice – but today’s consumer has other options, shredded paper being one of them.
The Paper Recycling Conundrum
It is difficult to recycle shredded paper since paper recycling plants routinely sort out the bits and pieces as supposed contaminants. Entire loads of paper shreds may therefore end up in landfills rather than get properly recycled. Craft-savvy families, artists and classroom teachers now capitalize on the ancient knowledge of clay reinforcement to go green, recycle shredded paper and make jewelry and other products from paper clay.
A Workable Paper Clay Recipe
There are a number of paper clay recipes currently in circulation. A personal favorite that is also very simple to do at home with children only takes six steps:
- Empty the paper recycling bin into a shredder and shred the content.
- Place the shredded paper into a tall bucket until it is about halfway full.
- Fill the bucket with piping hot water until it is three quarters of the way full.
- Let the water saturate the paper and then slowly stir with a sturdy stick or broom handle.
- Put on plastic gloves and take out handfuls of paper pulp. Press down on the pulp to squeeze out the water and let it dry on narrow-mesh baking racks.
- Leave the pulp to dry for a few hours and then add it to the clay, a small handful at a time. Continue mixing until the clay has a desired consistency.
It is interesting to note that some recipes suggest the use of household bleach to ward off odor. This is not necessary when only mixing as much of the paper clay recipe as the family, classroom or artist’s studio requires.
What to Do With Paper Clay
Suite 101’s own Jo Murphy outlines how to make roses with paper clay. Paper clay authority Rosette Gault offers a host of different mixing agents that allow for interesting results upon firing. A good example is her suggestion of using clay that is intermixed with iron-bearing red terracotta.
Another great way to go green and recycle shredded paper at the same time is the use of the paper clay recipe for jewelry making. Paper clay jewelry allows for whimsical designs that need little more than an attached safety pin for everyday wear. Work on various pieces throughout the year and when the holidays arrive, the results of paper recycling make gorgeous presents.
Sources
- Suite 101. “How to Make Roses With Paper Clay” (accessed March 16, 2010)
- Rosette Gault. “Success with large Scale Paperclay Porcelain and Beyond” (accessed March 16, 2010)
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Sylvia Cochran - Sylvia Cochran is Suite101's writer known for edgy and opinionated yet non-partisan writing. Freelance writer, German/English translator ...
