I am frequently reminded that so many of the challenges we face in the clay studio have to do with keeping our materials at an ideal working consistency while we are throwing or handbuilding. In the November, 2003 Clay Times, I wrote about various systems for controlling drying; here, I'd like to focus on how to keep the clay moist or reintro-duce moisture while continuing to work on a piece. It is always desirable to control moisture content and maintain the ideal moisture rather than trying to restore it when too much has evaporated. There's no substitute for simply keeping on top of things, carefully controlling moisture content to prevent the work from drying too much. And there is a point of no return. A good general rule is that once the clay has started to bleach or lighten in color, it is too far along for any further surface modifications (other than scraping or dry carving) and should either be declared done and ready for firing, or should be recycled. If it has stiffened more than you wish but has not started to bleach, then it can generally be resurrected.
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