- 1). Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin.
- 2). Break the clay in parts from the block, and mold the parts into balls about the size of your fist.
- 3). Knead each ball of clay on the cutting board, vigorously flattening it out with the palm of your hand, until they form disks about 1/2-inch thick.
- 4). Cut the edges of the clay and shape it with your hands. Make the base of the statue hollow, and create the statue in parts. For example, if you are creating a human form, first make a small foot, then a leg and continue from there. Begin with the foundation and work upwards.
- 5). Attach each part to the other by serrating the edges of each piece with the knife, and then dampen the edges with water. Place one piece on top of the other, matching the serrated edges on top of each other. Smooth out the crease between the pieces with your fingers.
- 6). Mold the textural details onto the statue using a toothpick and your fingers. Press clay inward and pinch clay outward to add dimension.
- 7). Leave the terracotta statue in a safe place overnight to dry.
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