I’m recycling clay today. I recycle all of my trim scraps, as well as any clay that gets too dry to work with. I put it into a bucket and let it sit until bone dry. That doesn’t take long in the arid climate of northern Arizona. Here you can see a bucket of dry scraps, and some small slabs drying on the table for future recycling.

Once dry, I cover the scraps with water and let it sit for a day or two. Then, I mix it up in the bucket - it stays lumpy - then transfer small amounts to the blender, where I mix it until it is a slurry (slip). Doing it this way ensures an even mix. I mix clay bodies when I recycle and this technique blends them well.

When mixing is done, the slip is poured into a plaster bowl. The plaster pulls the extra moisture out and leaves a workable piece of clay. This batch should be ready to be worked tomorrow. Happy clay!