CLAY, A THING OF BEAUTY

Clay is an abundant natural resource that has stood the test of time. Over the years, there has been an increase in how it is used and applied. It is used by people of all ages and skin colour.

Many of the ornaments and items that are in the house are made from clay. Usually, it is undesirable in its raw state but when processed and transformed; it produces very beautiful and exquisite items and objects.

In the days of old clay was the major resource for construction and building of houses albeit these houses were not so beautiful due to a lack of advancement in technology. Apart from that, clay is also used in agriculture and for agricultural purposes. However, it is not the best type of soil for planting purposes. The reason for this is not far-fetched, clay holds water for too long and this will affect the growth and improvement of seeds.

That said, artists do a lot with clay. In fact, they perform magic. When some items are moulded, it is quite difficult to believe they were made from this natural resource given how beautiful they are. Clay is used for the production of items like tiles, and breakable plates and spoons.

However, for the purpose of this text, our attention will be on clay for kids. We will be talking about how to make beautiful items that kids would love from clay. Enjoy the ride!

CLAY AND KIDS, WHAT IS THE LINK?

We all know how much love kids have for toys. It helps to keep them busy and engaged. This helps the parents too, a playing child allows the parent the chance to do other things. Therefore, it is a win-win situation for both parties. Many children toy are made from clay and its extracts. The only difference is that they are well coloured and beautified. Hence, it becomes very difficult to decipher. This says a lot about the brilliance of artists, especially potters. They have the uncanny ability to transform an ugly-looking material into ornaments and beautiful items. Working with clay requires creativity and there are a few schools that teach this.

To make and mould clay into different shapes and sizes, it must first be prepared. There are a few good ways professionals use to prepare clay but we will be looking at some of the methods that can be used to make clay for kids at home.

HOW TO PREPARE CLAY

Firstly, you must know that there are different types of clay and each type has its own peculiar qualities. In preparing clay, you should try to observe if the clay type is the one that should be dried naturally or in an oven. It is only when the moulded clay solidifies that painting and other finishing can be done.

To model clay, some of the materials needed include salt, cornstarch, saucepan, and cold water.

1. The first thing to do is to mix salt and water. The mixture should be stirred in a saucepan to ensure homogeneity. Also, heat should be applied for a short time.
2. Withdraw the heat source and introduce the cornstarch. Cold water should also be added.

• Stir the mixture until it becomes uniform. After that, the heat source should be re-introduced and the homogenous mixture cooked until the desired thickness is achieved.

1. After that, wait for a temperature drop to occur and make any shape out of the clay.
2. When the moulded clay is dry. You could apply beautiful paints and other finishes.