paper and clay

paper

clay

Under magnification clay particles are tiny compared with cellulose fibres. When clay slip and paper pulp are mixed together the platelets of clay are easily syphoned into the fibre tubes. The resulting complex network of fibre and clay slip gives the mixture important and unusual working characteristics of benefit to potters and sculptors.

Cellulose fibre is a hollow tube-Iike structure which is an essential part of all plants and trees. It plays an important part in photosynthesis and osmosis. It has an amazing ability to syphon moisture into itself, acting like a sponge. Different sources give a variety of fibres, the length and size of which depend on the type of tree or plant producing them.

If you are interested in the full article, larger images, methods, comments and recipes please proceed to paper clay techniques page dowmload illustrated files and read all about this very useful material