Does clay go "bad?"

[perpetual newbie]

Hi guys,

I've got a good chunk leftover of some earthenware clay. I've kept it in the original bag, and although the edges are not as moist as they were originally, it is still in fairly decent shape.

Oddly, though, I almost think I am seeing a mould of somekind in spots. Is this possible??? If it truly is mould, is it safe to continue using it?

I probably still have a chunk around 10"x10"x8" or so. I guess I could take a knife and just trim off all around the outside, and just use the centre. Short of using it all up at once, is there a better way to store it than in the original bag? :confused:

[rosebead]

Actually mold is good. Clay is like cheese gets better with age- it gets more plasticity as it ages. You can cut the mold off if it bothers you- or just work it in.

[Andi @ Cirrutopia]

Actually mold is good. Clay is like cheese gets better with age- it gets more plasticity as it ages. You can cut the mold off if it bothers you- or just work it in.

Seems to be my high school's motto... at least with the cheese (and all of our food).

Anyway, Rosebead's right... moldy clay is great to work with, as long as you're not allergic to mold (don't worry, I don't think it's a common problem...) If you're allergic, cut it off, but if you can handle it (tends to smell a bit too, it'll be great!

At school we store our clay in a plastic garbage can with a lid that seals tightly. :) With over six (very full) classes running, there's never time for it to get moldy, though...

[perpetual newbie]

Nifty! Well that's good then. You're right...it does have quite a strong smell to it, but it does go away once it's been out in the air a bit. Thanks...I'll just work it in. Somehow makes it all the more authentic!!

I have a free night tonight, and it is VERY cold here, so maybe it's a good night to sit down and see what I can start as a new project...

[Andi @ Cirrutopia]

Be sure to share pictures!

The smell always reminds me of potting soil, which, I suppose, is a close relative of clay.

[beautifulfreak]

I once worked with a terra cotta that smelled slightly like chocolate, I always wondered about that.

Also if you found the clay has dried out a little too much just pour a little water in the bag with the clay and sit it overnight and then wedge it up. If is way too dry just let it dry out all the way and slake it down with water and dry it out on a plaster batt or in a old pillow case. Then wedge when it dries to the right consistancy and it is as good as new.