How to Use Clay From Your Backyard

Identify the material to ensure it is clay. Look for dry lumps in holes and other areas or dig past the leaves, stones and humus in your backyard to find the clay.

Pick up a lump of the material and scrape it with a penknife. If it is actually clay, fine bits will crumble off the lump.

Scrape the particles into a small pile. Add water to the pile to see if it dissolves. If it dissolves, it is clay. Firing the clay causes the heat to convert the clay molecules so they do not dissolve.

Form one of the lumps into a ball and then press it into a coil shape with your fingers. Wind the coil around your index finger. If the coil stays together well, feels elastic with a smooth texture, it is most likely clay.

Dig up a bucketful of the clay lumps. Avoid adding any stones, leaves or twigs into the bucket. If the clay is workable as it is, go ahead and use it as any modeling clay. If not, you must prepare the clay so it is malleable.

Spread all your clay out onto a large piece of plywood or a plaster bat under a sheltered area. Allow it to dry out completely.

Beat the clay lumps with a hammer until they are in pieces about the size of a pea.

Add the clay pieces to a bucket and pour in an equal part of water. Allow the clay to sit for several hours, overnight or even a few weeks until you are ready to prepare it for use.

Place a window screen or a sieve over another large bucket.

Strain the clay water mixture from the first bucket. Use a spatula to help force it through the screen or mesh.

Discard any rocks, pebbles, twigs or other debris that remains on the screen.

Allow the clay to settle in the bucket for 24 hours. Pour off the excess water that rises to the top.

Leave it in the bucket overnight again and pour off the excess water. Keep repeating this until the clay has a mud-like texture.

Spread the clay out evenly over the plywood or plaster bat. Allow it to dry until it is stiff enough to knead.

Work the clay with the palms of your hands and continue kneading until you can form large balls or cylinder-shapes to store it.

Wrap the clay up in several layers of plastic in the size and shape you will need for each project.

Place the wrapped clay in usable portions in a plastic bag and seal it tightly to store the clay.