The easiest way to make remarkable clay creations!
Prepare your materials.
Pull the trigger on the extruder back, remove the cap on the end with the die and load the extruder with clay.
Insert the die and attach the cap.
Turn the extruder upside down and queeze the trigger to work out all air. 
Extrude coils randomly in the mold. Press the coils with a towel. Only create coils up to the edge of each mold half. Do not go past the seam line.
Attach loops around the top of one half mold. Bend the loops inward so when the mold halves are placed together they won't get caught between the two parts.
Place the two mold parts together and band. Reach inside with your fingers or press tool to bend the ciols up onto the other side of the mold and press, attaching both halves.
Remove the mold band and pull the mold apart.
Remove the second half of the mold when the clay shape can stand on its own.
Chunky Puzzling Basics
Break up chunks of dry clay on a hard surface and press moist peices of clay into the dry chunks, embedding them in the surface. 
Press the moist chunks of clay (face down) into the mold. Continue the same process until the entire interior of the mold is filled.
NEW!
Download pdf instruction files here!
Click for Extruder Pumpkins Instruction pdf
Click for Raku Puzzling Instruction pdf
Click for Chunky Puzzling Instruction pdf
Click for Basic Puzzling Instruction pdf
Click for Extruder Tree Puzzling Instruction pdf
Click for Textured Puzzling Instruction pdf
Clay puzzling is a technique developed to introduce artists to the creative possibilities of moist clay. The concept was to keep the process simple while allowing the creator to develop a successful final product. Puzzling was used in the term because the procedure combines pieces of clay to make the final object. Clay puzzling is a wonderful way for the beginner and experienced artists to create outstanding work.
Basics of Clay Puzzling
Clay puzzling can be done in a number of different ways. Solid puzzling is where you press pieces or slabs of clay into the mold, creating a solid clay surface with no openings. Pressing pieces of clay in the mold while leaving some random openings completes torn puzzling. Extruder puzzling combines the use of extruded (or rolled) coils of clay that are pressed into the mold for a very open look. Pressing pieces of moist clay into dry chunks of clay before placing them in the mold creates the textured look of chunky puzzling.
Suggested Materials for Clay Puzzling
Clay puzzling can be done with minimal materials. If you have clay, a towel and some form of surface or mold for creating the shape, you can begin. A kiln (or access to firing) and colors to finish the pieces are needed later in the process.
Bisque Puzzler Molds were designed specifically for clay puzzling techniques. They are two-part ceramic bisque shapes, used by pressing the clay into each half of the mold, putting the two parts together, reaching inside and connecting the clay where the mold parts meet. Once the clay is firm enough, the mold can be opened and the item can be removed. The porous surface of the bisque absorbs moisture from the clay. The molds can be reused almost indefinitely.
Slump and drape molds also work well for clay puzzling. The absorbent plaster of the mold is ideal for removing moisture from the clay. Ceramic casting molds (also made of plaster) can be used in the same manner as bisque puzzler molds to make dimensional objects.
Ceramic bisque plates, bowls and open surfaces can also be used for puzzling. Puzzling can be done on the inside and outside of some objects. As long as the puzzled piece can be pulled off or away from the bisque it will work.
Other surfaces, such as glass, glazed ceramics, plastic and common items you may find around your home or studio can also work. These surfaces need to have paper, a towel or plastic placed against the surface so the clay will not stick, and can be removed. Ceramic bisque and plaster surfaces work great because they absorb moisture and the clay will naturally pull away as it shrinks and dries. Nonabsorbent surfaces will not allow the clay to dry evenly and will usually cause the clay to crack and come apart.
Whenever working with nonabsorbent surfaces, make certain you place paper, plastic or a towel between the item and the clay you puzzle. Once the clay becomes firm enough for the object to stand on its own, pull the puzzled item away and gently pull the paper, plastic or towel away from the clay. Clay will shrink as it dries, and not removing these materials could cause the clay to crack.
Clay Puzzling with Bisque Puzzler Molds These molds are designed specifically for the clay artist creating clay-puzzling techniques. The molds are not made for casting with slip. Each Bisque Puzzler Mold comes complete with a Velcro strap for securing mold parts during the puzzling process. The two-part strap has a “fuzzy” side and a “hook” side that connect to one another. Separate the two parts and hook them together by placing a couple inches of the hook end to the fuzzy end. Set the strap aside until needed in the puzzling procedure. Torn puzzling Extruder Puzzling Step 1 Dust out the interior of the Bisque Puzzler Mold removing any dust or debris in the cavity. Step 2 See the basic steps for loading and using the clay extruder. Step 3 Extrude strands of clay into each half of the mold cavity filling in as much as desired. Keep in mind that large openings between clay strands will make the item more fragile. Extrude extra coils of clay along the bottom area in the mold giving added strength to the clay creation. Do not go past the seam line where the molds will meet. Excessive clay between these parts will not allow the mold to fit together properly. Step 4 Press a towel over the entire clay surface forcing the clay coils together. Step 5 Create a coil of clay the same thickness of the coils used in the mold and begin attaching it along the seam line of one half of the mold. This continuous coil will go up and down (attaching to one half of the mold at this time) and will result in loops going above the seam line about an inch and then about an inch below the seam line attaching the extruded clay in the cavity. Do not make the loops going above the seam line more than an inch high. Excessively high loops will tend to break off in the next step. Continue with these loops all the way around the mold (on one half only) avoiding the opening where you reach inside. Step 6 Gently bend the loop coils inward slightly so when the mold halves are placed together they will not get caught or crushed. Lift the half of the mold without the coil loops and turn it over slowly making certain the clay is stuck to the mold and will not fall out when completely turned over. . If the clay appears to want to fall out, drip a small amount of water between the clay and the mold in a few spots and press the clay. Step 7 Place the mold halves together and wrap the Velcro strap around the mold, securing tightly. Step 8 Stand the mold up and reach inside with your hand (or stick with a sponge on the end) and press the coil loops of clay so they attach the clay on both mold parts. Step 9 Remove the Velcro strap and gently pry the mold halves apart. Do not force the mold parts if they do not come apart easily. Sometimes the molds will need to sit for a while allowing the clay to firm up before the mold will come apart with ease. Forcing the mold open could cause the piece to split. Step 10 Once you have one part of the mold removed the other half may need to sit in the other half until firm enough to stand on its own. Remove the other mold half when the piece can stand on its own. Please Note: These pumpkins are much easier to paint if the leaves, stems and vines are attached after firing and painting. They can be attached with the use of any kind of clear-drying adhesive but silicone will allow the parts to be flexible, and less likely to break if bumped. Place all parts, including the pumpkins on several layers of paper while drying. The paper will allow the parts to move freely as they shrink. If they cannot move freely they will stick to the surface and could crack and come apart. Step 1 Follow the basic steps for extruder puzzling to complete the main body of each pumpkin. Step 2 Create stems for the pumpkins by making a coil of clay about an inch thick and about two inches long. Press your thumbs into the bottom of one end to open up the clay and hollow out the bottom. This part will attach to the top of the extruded pumpkin. Place it on top but do not attach. Step 3 Flatten pieces of clay to about 1/8 inch thickness between your fingers or with the use of a slab roller or rolling pin. Press the plastic leaf form into the clay and tear away excess clay around the edges. Turn the leaf (with clay still attached) so the clay leaf is facing up and the plastic leaf form is facing down. Bevel the edge of the leaf so it is thick in the middle and gets thin along the edges. (You do not want the leaf to have a square edge.) Step 4 Starting at the stem of the leaf, bend the plastic leaf form back and gently pry the clay leaf away from the form. Remove the leaf and place it on paper with the stem of the leaf bent back so it will appear to grow out from the top of the pumpkin when attached. Step 5 Extrude strands of clay for the vines and twist and curl. Hold the vines up to the side of each pumpkin to figure out shape. Place the vines on paper to dry. Step 6 Allow all pieces to dry thoroughly before firing to the appropriate temperature for the clay selected. Step 7 Decorate with selected finish. Watch this video to create chunky puzzling.
Solid puzzling
Step 1 Dust out the interior of the Bisque Puzzler Mold removing any dust or debris in the cavity.
Step 2 Tear off pieces of clay and flatten them to the desired thickness. This can be accomplished by pressing clay between your fingers and thumb or by rolling over the surface with an object like a rolling pin, dowel or other round objects. Try to get uniform thickness with each piece of clay.
Step 3 Press the flattened pieces of clay into each part of the mold cavity slightly overlapping one another. Do not go past the seam line area where the molds will meet. Excessive clay between these parts will not allow the mold to fit together properly.
Step 4 Press a towel over the entire clay surface forcing the clay chunks together and filling in any gaps.
Step 5 Place a long coil of clay along one side along the seam line. This should run parallel to the seam line and not go above. Clay going above the seam line will prevent the mold from going together properly.
Step 6 Lift the half of the mold without the coil and turn it over slowly making certain the clay is stuck to the mold and will not fall out when completely turned over. If the clay appears to want to fall out, drip a small amount of water between the clay and the mold in a few spots and press the clay.
Step 7 Place the mold halves together and wrap the Velcro strap around the mold, securing tightly.
Step 8 Stand the mold up and reach in with your hand (or stick with a sponge on the end) and press the coil of clay so it attaches the clay on both mold parts.
Step 9 Remove the Velcro strap and gently pry the mold halves apart. Do not force the mold parts if they do not come apart easily. Sometimes the molds will need to sit for a while allowing the clay to firm up before the mold will come apart with ease. Forcing the mold open could cause the piece to split.
Step 10 Once you have one part of the mold removed the other half may need to sit in the other half until firm enough to stand on its own. Remove the other mold half when the piece can stand on its own.
Step 1 Dust out the interior of the Bisque Puzzler Mold removing any dust or debris in the cavity.
Step 2 Tear off pieces of clay and flatten them to the desired thickness. This can be accomplished by pressing clay between your fingers and thumb or by rolling over the surface with an object like a rolling pin, dowel, or other round objects. Try to get uniform thickness with each piece of clay.
Step 3 Press the flattened pieces of clay into each part of the mold cavity slightly overlapping one another while leaving open gaps. Do not go past the seam line area where the molds will meet. Excessive clay between these parts will not allow the mold to fit together properly.
Step 4 Press a towel over the entire clay surface forcing the clay chunks together.
Step 5 Place a long coil of clay along one side along the seam line. This should run parallel to the seam line and not go above. Clay going above the seam line will prevent the mold from going together properly.
Step 6 Lift the half of mold without the coil and turn it over slowly making certain the clay is stuck to the mold and will not fall out when completely turned over. If the clay appears to want to fall out, drip a small amount of water between the clay and the mold in a few spots and press the clay.
Step 7 Place the mold halves together and wrap the Velcro strap around the mold, securing tightly.
Step 8 Stand the mold up and reach inside with your hand (or stick with a sponge on the end) and press the coil of clay so it attaches the clay on both mold parts.
Step 9 Remove the Velcro strap and gently pry the mold halves apart. Do not force the mold parts if they do not come apart easily. Sometimes the molds will need to sit for a while allowing the clay to firm up before the mold will come apart with ease. Forcing the mold open could cause the piece to split.
Step 10 Once you have one part of the mold removed the other half may need to sit in the other half until firm enough to stand on its own. Remove the other mold half when the piece can stand on its own.
HOW-TO VIDEOS
Please allow time for these videos to load. It may not look like there are videos, but with the background of this page being black and the frame of the video black, it giives the look of no video.
See how to create clay coils with a hand extruder available on the supplies page by clicking on this video.
Would you like to see how to do extruder puzzling? Check out this video!
Watch this video to learn how to make stems.
Watch this video to discover how to make leaves.
More videos coming soon!
Watch for this exciting chunky puzzling technique coming soon!