Because there are variables beyond my control (clays, papers, water, mixing errors and etc) always pre test fire what you have before a big project. No guarantee can be offered that 'alternative" commercial paperclays now on the market will meet the all the performance advantages of my high performance trademark P'Clay® brand only available from licensed manufacturers/distributors.
Examples of some fun with paperclay, bent paperclips, and party toothpicks.
teacher friendly non-fire project finishes
What if I don't have access or time to fire clay projects in kilns?
Students could take home a finished project- air hardened. P'Clay® as it is almost as strong as a true paper mache or the self hardening air set commercial hobbyist polymer modeling clays.
The unfired dried out strength is usually sufficient for hand held items. If the joins were not good they will not hold up. A good join would hold up handling at bone dry because each side would have been "scratched" so the surface is rougher and then enough p'slip applied before parts "attach" and were pressed together like in any clay.
Adorn non-fire class projects with feathers, sticks, paper clips, hairpins, etc. Seal over dried forms with acrylic paints or clear sealant. Older students could dip finished work in linseed oil bath a few minutes, and let harden as a final step. Sometimes busy teachers prefer this. If you use tempera paint for color- consider giving it a clearcoat of acrylic.
Teacher recommended suggestions include:
Poke and Pinch