How to Use Natural Clay

Are you looking for ways to improve your skincare routine? Look no further! Natural clay is a versatile and affordable product that can benefit your skin in various ways.

Natural clay, a versatile and ancient medium, has been utilized for centuries in various forms, from artistic pottery to therapeutic treatments. Its accessibility, malleable texture, and water compatibility make it an ideal resource for beginners and experienced artisans.

In this guide, we aim to explore the fundamental techniques on how to use natural clay. Whether you’re interested in the therapeutic aspects of clay work or aspire to create pottery, sculptures, or even use clay for its skin benefits, understanding the basics is crucial. Join us as we uncover the simple yet profound world of working with natural clay, a journey that connects us with the earth and unleashes our creative potential.

Why Use Natural Clay?

Before diving into the different ways of using natural clay, let’s understand why it is a popular choice for various purposes.

• Natural clay is rich in minerals and has detoxifying properties, making it beneficial for the skin.
• It is readily available and affordable compared to other beauty products.
• Clay’s unique texture allows it to bind with impurities and draw them out of the skin, leaving it feeling cleansed and refreshed.
• It is a sustainable and eco-friendly material, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

These reasons alone make natural clay a highly sought-after product for skin care and other uses. So, let’s now explore how you can use natural clay to improve your beauty routine.

Types of Natural Clay

Various types of natural clay are available, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Some popular options include:

• Bentonite Clay: Known for its detoxifying properties and ability to absorb excess oil from the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
• Kaolin clay is a gentle clay ideal for sensitive skin types. It helps to soothe and calm the skin, making it an excellent option for facial masks.
• French Green Clay: Rich in minerals, this type of clay is known for its purifying and firming effects on the skin. It can also help to improve texture and tone.
• Rhassoul Clay: This clay is high in silica, making it great for hair care as it helps to strengthen and nourish the strands. It can also be used as a facial mask for deep cleansing.

Now that you know about some popular types of natural clay, let’s discuss how to use them in your beauty routine.

What Will You Need?

Before getting started, you will need a few essential tools to work with natural clay:

• A bowl for mixing the clay
• A non-metal utensil for stirring (metal can react with the minerals in clay and affect its properties)
• Water or other liquid of your choice (such as apple cider vinegar or honey), depending on the mask/mixture you are making.
• A measuring spoon (for accurate proportions)
• A soft brush or your fingers for application

Patch testing before using any new product, including natural clay, is also recommended for your skin to ensure you’re not allergic.

10 Easy Steps on How to Use Natural Clay

Step 1. Choose Your Clay:

Selecting the right type of clay for your skin or project is paramount. Consider what you aim to achieve with the clay. For skin care, assess your skin type and any specific needs or concerns you may have. For instance, Bentonite clay is ideal for oily skin due to its powerful oil-absorbing properties, while Kaolin clay, being gentler, is better suited for sensitive skin. If you’re venturing into pottery or sculptures, the choice of clay might depend on the texture and firing temperature required for your project. Researching and understanding the properties of different clays will help you make an informed decision.

Step 2. Prepare Your Workspace:

Preparing your workspace is important before you start working with natural clay. If you’re using clay for skin care, ensure the surface you’re working on is clean and dry. Lay down paper towels or a clean cloth to catch any spills. Cover your work area with a plastic sheet or newspaper for pottery or sculpture work to make cleanup easier. A clean and organized space will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 3. Mix Your Clay:

To use your selected natural clay for skin care, mix a small amount of clay with water or another liquid until you reach a smooth, paste-like consistency. The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on the type of clay and the desired thickness of your mask or application. If you’re mixing clay for pottery or sculpture, you might need to adjust the amount of water to achieve the ideal consistency for molding or sculpting. Stir the mixture with a non-metal utensil to prevent any reaction with the clay’s minerals. Aim for a homogeneous mixture free of lumps for the best application or sculpting experience.

Step 4. Apply or Use Your Clay:

For skin care, apply the clay mixture evenly over your face or the desired area using a soft brush or fingers, avoiding the sensitive skin around the eyes and mouth. If you’re using clay for pottery or sculpture, begin shaping or modeling the clay according to your project’s requirements. In both instances, the thickness of the applied or used clay can affect the drying time and overall outcome, so adjust accordingly based on your needs or preferences. For skincare, allow the clay to sit on the skin until it begins to dry but is not fully tight to prevent over-drying the skin. In artistic projects, the clay’s workability depends on its moisture level; keep it moist to maintain flexibility.

Step 5. Wait for the Clay to Dry:

After applying the clay to your skin or crafting your clay piece, the next step is to wait for it to dry. For skin care, this typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the layer you’ve applied. It’s crucial not to leave the clay on your skin for too long, as over-dried clay can sap moisture, leaving it dehydrated.

In the case of pottery or sculpting, drying times can vary significantly based on the size and thickness of your project, as well as humidity levels in your environment. If you’re working on a larger piece, it may take several hours to a day to dry thoroughly. During this time, checking on your clay piece periodically is essential to ensure it’s drying evenly and to prevent cracking.

Step 6. Rinse or Wet Your Clay:

For skin care, gently rinse it off with lukewarm water once the clay begins to dry but is not completely tight. Use your hands in a circular motion to help remove the clay and exfoliate dead skin cells. Be gentle to avoid irritating your skin. Ensure all the clay is thoroughly washed off, and dry your skin with a clean towel.

If you’re working with clay for pottery or sculpting, and it has dried as desired, you may need to wet the surface slightly if adding additional pieces or detail. Use a damp sponge or brush to moisten the area where you’ll be working, ensuring the clay is consistent enough for the next steps in your project.

Step 7. Moisturize or Seal Your Project:

After rinsing off the clay mask from your skin, it’s essential to apply a moisturizer to replenish any moisture that may have been lost during the treatment process. Choose a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to ensure hydration and to lock in the benefits of the clay mask. Once the clay piece is completely dry, apply a sealant or glaze for pottery or sculpture, depending on the project’s requirements and the type of clay used. This step will help protect your project’s surface, enhance its appearance, and increase longevity. Whether skincare or art, this final touch is crucial in completing your clay-based endeavor successfully.

Step 8. Evaluate Your Results: 

After completing your clay treatment or project, take a moment to evaluate the results. For skincare, observe how your skin feels and looks. You should notice a smoother texture, clearer appearance, and a reduction in blemishes or oiliness, depending on the type of clay used and your skin’s specific needs. Reflect on any sensations during the process, such as tightening or tingling, and consider how your skin responds in the following days to assess the full effect of the treatment.

For pottery or sculpture, examine your finished piece’s structure, texture, and stability. Check for any cracks, uneven drying, or imperfections that could inform adjustments for future projects. This step is crucial for both personal care and artistic endeavors, as it helps to refine techniques, understand material properties better, and achieve more satisfactory outcomes in future applications.

Step 9. Maintenance and Care: 

Once your clay mask routine or sculpture project is complete, establishing a regular maintenance and care routine is essential for lasting benefits and preservation. For skin care, continue incorporating clay masks into your skincare regimen once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s needs and the type of clay used.

Always follow up with proper hydration and protection, such as moisturizer and sunscreen, to maintain skin health. For pottery or sculpture, regular dusting and gentle cleaning will help preserve the integrity of your piece. Avoid exposing clay items to extreme temperatures or moisture levels to prevent damage. Whether for skin health or artistic expression, understanding and respecting the medium’s needs will ensure its beauty and efficacy for years to come.

Step 10. Reflect and Plan for Improvement: 

Whether you’ve embarked on a clay-based skincare regime or ventured into pottery and sculpture, reflecting on your experience and planning for improvement are vital steps to enhance your skills and results. Consider what worked well and what could be adjusted. For skincare, think about how different clays affect your skin and if you might benefit from trying a new type.

For pottery and sculpture, assess your technique and the properties of the clay used, considering how variations in method or material could influence your next project. Documenting your process and outcomes can be incredibly beneficial for tracking progress and setting future goals. This continuous cycle of reflection and planning improves your craft and deepens your appreciation for the art and science behind working with clay.

By following these ten steps, you can effectively and safely incorporate clay into your skincare routine or create beautiful art pieces.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks:

1. Prevent Cracking During Drying: To ensure your clay projects dry evenly without cracking, keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Covering them with a thin cloth can help slow the drying process, reducing the chances of cracks forming.
2. Use Slip for Stronger Joints: When attaching two pieces of clay, score the surfaces to be joined and apply slip—a mixture of clay and water. Once fired, this acts as a glue, creating a stronger bond between the pieces.
3. Recycle Clay Scraps: Don’t throw away your clay scraps. Instead, keep them moist and store them in a sealed container. You can reclaim these scraps later by soaking them in water and wedging to remove air bubbles, making the clay usable again.
4. Smooth Surfaces with a Sponge: Use a slightly damp sponge before your clay dries to smooth out surface imperfections. This improves the appearance and prepares your project for a more uniform application of glaze.
5. Test for Dryness Before Firing: To avoid explosions in the kiln, ensure your clay piece is completely dry before firing. An easy way to test dryness is to touch the clay with your cheek; it may still contain moisture if it feels cold.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can make the most out of your natural clay projects and create beautiful, durable pieces.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Refrain from Overworking the Clay: Handling your clay too much can make it rigid and less pliable. This overworking can also introduce air bubbles, which may cause issues during the firing process.
2. Avoid Using Too Much Water: While moisture is necessary to keep the clay workable, adding too much water can weaken the structure and lead to slumping or collapsing before the piece is fired.
3. Never Rush the Drying Process: Using artificial means to speed up drying, like ovens or hair dryers, can cause uneven drying. This often leads to cracks or warping, compromising the integrity of your project.
4. Skip Glossy Glazes for Food Containers (if not food-safe): Not all glazes are suitable for pieces intended to hold food. Ensure the glazes you use are certified food-safe to avoid leaching harmful substances.
5. Remember the Clay’s Working Temperatures: Every type of clay has specific firing temperatures. Firing clay, either too high or too low, can result in successful projects. Always check the clay’s specifications for optimal results.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save time and materials and create successful ceramic projects.

How to Harden Natural Clay?

Natural clay can be hardened either through air-drying or firing in a kiln.

1. Air-Drying:

Air drying is the most common and convenient method of hardening natural clay. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Start by shaping your clay into your desired form using pinching, coiling, or sculpting techniques.
2. Place your clay piece on a flat surface covered with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent it from sticking.
3. Allow the clay to dry for several days, depending on the thickness of your project and weather conditions. Cover the clay loosely with a thin cloth while drying to avoid cracking.
4. Once the clay is completely dry, you can paint or decorate it using acrylic paints or sealants to protect the surface.

2. Kiln Firing:

Kiln firing is a more complicated and time-consuming process, but it produces stronger and more durable results. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start by shaping your clay into your desired form using pinching, coiling, or sculpting techniques.
2. Allow the clay to dry for 24 hours before placing it in the kiln. This will help prevent any moisture from causing explosions during firing.
3. Preheat your kiln according to its instructions, and then place your clay piece on a kiln shelf or in a heat-resistant container.
4. Fire the clay at the recommended temperature for the type of clay you are using, keeping in mind the thickness of your project. This can range from 1100°F to 2300°F.
5. Once your piece has been fired, let it cool down completely before removing it from the kiln.

By following these steps, you can successfully harden natural clay using either method. It’s important to note that air-dried clay will not be as strong as kiln-fired clay, so it’s best to use air-drying for decorative pieces rather than functional ones.  Overall, experimenting with different hardening methods and techniques for working with natural clay can lead to unique and beautiful results.

Conclusion

Natural clay is a versatile and beautiful medium for creating handmade projects. By following these tips and tricks on how to use natural clay, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure successful results.

Remember always to use caution when handling clay, as it can contain dust particles that may be harmful if inhaled. With patience and practice, you can master the art of working with natural clay and create stunning pieces that showcase your creativity and skills.

So go forth and get your hands dirty with this ancient yet timeless material!  Remember always to have fun and embrace the imperfections that make each piece truly one of a kind. Happy crafting!