Kathy P

A couple ideas that came to mind, tumbling media for rock polishing or bullet casing polishing (for those that reload), or using the glazed shards for cabs set in silver for jewelry, or even bisque fired bowl shapes with ill-fitted lid for metal clay firing (to hold carbon). Or maybe convert a bisque piece into a bead rack. Or knife sharpener, or stone scratch tester for identification of rocks.

I saw a video of a potter smashing a mug that was defective. This made me wonder what other potters do with a fired piece that failed. Other than smash 'em up cool videos, are there any good practices or ideas?

TJBanjo, I had the very same issue and here are some very helpful ideas. I have no problems now! Hope this helps..... http://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/17102-clay-dries-too-fast-in-hands-dry-skin/?tab=comments#comment-137907

A black white photo of the paw print is all you need. The clay work can be done in studio, from fresh and with controllable results. I make photo polymer plates from the black white image and then it's just as simple as a stamp project. Not just paws, any black white image - fingerprints, handwriting, doodles, etc.

I can't stop going back to this photo, it's so beautiful! The mid section diagonal darker contrast and the crocodile type skin bumps really appeal to me. I have a crush on this one!

hateful clay, haha, right?!? Is there a place on the forum to just blab when something exciting happens and I just want to tell someone who would understand? Like finally finding a place that offers kiln sharing! Or successful firings photos? I want to follow the rules

Will do! Damp box, research new clay (talc content) and damp work surface. Thank you! I have Gloves in a Bottle that I use when working with metal clays. Would lotion on my hands end up with compromised clay and separation issues? I might try a bit as a test. Also will try Paper clay slip recipe and see how that feels. Most annoying cracks are when bending a snake roll.

Main floor in home, and not noticeably dry. Room temp a little cool. I’m curious if others have come across this, where a persons skin chemistry or ? makes clay dry lightning quick. I see demos of handbuilding where the clay is dreamy perfect for long time and rarely fingerprints. I get either sticky or dry with almost zero dreamy, haha.

Help needed: The clay I'm forming by hand gets cracky and splits so fast that even a simple form isn't finished unless I'm rushing. Please suggest ideas for longer, less rushed forming time. I'm using low fire clay, Standard White 105 brand new from the box and pinching and forming animals and small pendants and beads. I can roll out a snake and then it's too dry. That fast. I can roll a bead and pinch a couple times, then cracks start if I continue. Super dry hands maybe? My guess is to use a mist spray, cover, wait, work a few minutes, mist, cover, wait...