“What the heck is this?” you ask. Clay puzzling molds are two piece molds held together with a Velcro strap. Rather than pouring in slip, you press clay into each half of the mold, then insert a coil of clay to seal the seam with a special tool. The piece can be removed almost immediately and either squished to make a different form, used for add-ons such as fish fins or pumpkin leaves, or just used as is.

Anything made with clay needs to be completely dry before firing or it will explode in the kiln. This usually takes one to two weeks depending on heat and humidity in the room.

We have molds for balls, vases, pumpkins, and more. Some molds are just a foundation for creating shapes such as cones for trees and gnomes; and bowls that can be used on the inside or the outside.

We made a birdhouse using a soda pop can as a base during the IADCCT 2021 virtual convention.
We made an ugly fish using a vase puzzle mold during the MVCT retreat in June 2021.
I made a spider using a ball mold at the Midwest Show several years ago.

Michael Harbridge creates and demonstrates puzzle molds. Check out his Facebook page or his webpage LearnFiredArts.com.

So come and play with clay!

• In the studio this Monday (10/4/2021) we will practice making puzzled pumpkins.
  
• On Facebook Live this Thursday (10/7/2021) we will show our viewers how it’s done. Tune in to Carol’s Carousel Classes group on Facebook. (ask to join).

Carol’s Carousel Creations

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