Procedure

1. Have each student wad newspaper tightly into a ball about 6" in diameter. Wrap with masking tape to secure.

2. Roll newspaper into a cylinder approximately 3" in diameter by 3 ½" high. Secure with masking tape.

3. Attach 3 ½" cylinder to middle of 6" newspaper ball. Hold in place with masking tape. (This should resemble a vessel shape when completed.)

4. Distribute clay to students. Have them wedge and knead the clay into workable balls.

5. Wedge clay by turning it over, wedging only two sides continuously until it is as flat as possible. Roll flat with a rolling pin until clay is about ½" thick (e.g. looks like a pancake). Remember to roll three times in the middle of one side and then flip it over and continue in same manner until the clay slab is about 18" around and ½" thick uniformly.

6. Place newspaper form in center of clay slab. Form clay around the newspaper form.

7. Score and slip where clay edges meet. Cut off excess areas and apply to areas according to needed shape.

8. Smooth flat and even carefully with hands.

9. Cover with plastic bag, vented with a few holes, and allow to dry slowly until it is "leather" hard.

10. Use toothpick, pencil, knife, etc. to carve patterns gently and carefully into clay vessel.

11. Fire the vessel in a kiln. Try to pull out as much of the newspaper structure as possible without hurting the clay vessel, however any remaining scraps of newspaper will safely burn out during firing.

12. Apply wood stain with sponge brushes to finish vessel. Can choose any color or finish, glossy or matte that the student wishes. Student can use many colors for a multi-colored finish or allow one color to run into and over another color.

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