Clay can be made from the soil in your own backyard.It is a time consuming process.A few containers, some soil, water, and a cloth are all you need.This will allow you to separate the clay from the silt.
Step 1: Pick up some soil.
You will want to collect the soil.The top of the ground is usually two to eight inches deep and contains a higher concentration of pollutants.Living plants, roots, and insects can be eliminated by avoiding this top layer of soil.You can make more clay if you collect more soil.
Step 2: Put soil in a container.
How much soil you are using will affect the size of the container.The container should be filled with two-thirds of the soil.It may be difficult to pour contents out in later steps if you use bottlenecked containers.You could sift the soil before adding it to the container to help eliminate debris.This isn't necessary.
Step 3: Water should be put into the soil.
You can get water from your tap.Carefully stir the mixture.You should have an even mixture of water and soil.
Step 4: The mixture should sit.
The clay will be suspended in the water.The water will be on top of the sand.Be careful not to stir the container or shake it.
Step 5: The clay water should be put into a container.
Don't pour anything into your new container.You can stop pouring if you can see the lip of the container.You can discard the clay water once you have poured it off.
Step 6: This process can be done four to five times.
Pour the clay water into another container after adding water, stirring the mixture, and letting it set.The clay will be better each time.If you don't see anything at the bottom, you should continue the process.
Step 7: The clay should be allowed to separate from the water.
If left alone, the clay will settle at the bottom since it is suspended in the water.It will take at least twenty-four hours for the clay water to sit.There are two layers of water and clay.The water will be clear so you can tell when this happens.If you see a layer of silt below the clay, repeat the steps to remove it.
Step 8: The clay has water in it.
When you see the clay reach the lip of the container, stop pouring.The clay is saturated with water.You will have to start over if you pour it out.
Step 9: Let the clay sit.
More water will move up as the clay settles.The clay has clear water on it.Stop pouring when the clay reaches the lip of the container.When the water is no longer forming a substantial layer, you can repeat this process.
Step 10: The clay should be put in a cloth.
To help guide the clay into the cloth, lay it over a bowl.The cloth has to be large enough to cover the clay in the container.The cloth will hold the clay.Tie the cloth with a piece of string as if you are making a ball of clay.Any cloth can do it.An old t-shirt or bedsheet can be used.You should use something that you don't mind getting dirty.The clay can be split into multiple cloths to speed up the process.
Step 11: The bag should be hung.
The water will be able to trickle from the fabric.The clay will solidify as the water leaves it.You should hang it somewhere where you don't mind water dripping.You could hang it from a tree.Check the consistency of the clay after a few days.Consistency is required for different projects.Let it hang longer if you need it to be harder.
Step 12: It was finished.