Transferer Toolkit techniques: Joining Clay

About Transferer

Transferer was a groundbreaking project exploring cross-curricular approaches to art-based learning. A Project Co-ordinator worked with two BCB Associate Artists
to design and deliver a two-year programme with early secondary students to develop greater oracy and critical thinking skills. Through explorations of clay and ceramics students built new relationships, learnt how to structure and communicate their ideas, increased their vocabularies and learnt about arts careers.

Learn more about our Transferer programme.

 

 

Transferer Toolkit techniques: Joining Clay

Joining clay together is important as pieces not secured properly will fall apart in the kiln or as they dry.

You will need:

  • Slurry
  • Scoring tool (cocktail sticks or small skewers work well)
  • Paintbrush
  • Clay items to join
Instructions
  1. Score both the surfaces of the clay that are going to be joined together in a crosshatch pattern. This increases the surface area in the joint and blends the two parts together when joined.
  2. Paint a thick layer of slurry on the surfaces and press them together firmly. Wipe away any excess with a brush or a sponge.
Note: Sometimes clay comes out of the bag very soft. For techniques like coiling you may not need to use slurry to join the clay.

 

Watch the other videos in the series on our resources page.

 

 

Support

Transferer is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation as part of their Arts-based Learning Fund. This fund supports work which enables pupils in formal education settings, particularly those experiencing systemic inequality or disadvantage, to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning.

Learn more about Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Arts-based Learning Fund.