How to revive air dry clay (creative paperclay, airdry clay, etc.)

I am asked so often what to do with airdry clay (like laDoll, Premier, and Creative Paperclay, etc.) when it becomes hard after sitting on the shelf for a while without being used.

To tell you the truth, eventually, all clays will start hardening even if you store it in a sealed ziplock bag or in an air-tight container.

When I first received my first bag of airdry clay, it arrived slightly hard, and I couldn't understand what was wrong with it, because it was so hard to work with. I was extremely frustrated. Eventually, I threw it out. I knew nothing then (15 years ago) about conditioning and reviving the clays.) I learned a lot since then and now I know exactly what to do when my clay gets a bit harder than what I would like. 

Reviving significantly hardened air-dry clay can be a bit more challenging, but it's still possible. Here's a method you can try:

1. Break into Pieces: If the clay has hardened to the point where it's difficult to work with, start by breaking it into smaller pieces. This will help expose the inner parts of the clay to moisture more effectively.

2. Soak in Water: Place the broken clay pieces into a container filled with water. Make sure the water covers the clay completely. Let the clay soak for an extended period, preferably overnight or even longer if needed.

3. Monitor Progress: Check on the clay periodically to see how it's softening. You may notice that the outer layers soften more quickly than the inner parts. If necessary, gently agitate the water to help facilitate the softening process.

4. Knead Thoroughly: Once the clay has softened to a workable consistency, remove it from the water and start kneading it. Knead the clay thoroughly to ensure that the moisture is distributed evenly throughout.

5. Add Moisture as Needed: If the clay is still too hard in certain areas, you can add more water gradually while kneading. Be cautious not to add too much water at once, as this can make the clay too sticky or mushy.

6. Let it Rest: After kneading, allow the clay to rest for a short while. This gives the moisture a chance to distribute evenly and allows the clay to regain some of its elasticity.

7. Continue Working: If necessary, repeat the soaking and kneading process until you achieve the desired consistency.

8. Store Properly: Once you've revived the clay, store it properly to prevent it from hardening again. Keep it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.

Reviving significantly hardened air-dry clay may take some time and patience, but with persistence, you can often restore it to a workable state.

XOXO, Elena