Working with ceramic clay in direct sunlight is not ideal, as it can dry out too quickly, leading to cracks or difficulty in shaping. It's best to work in a shaded or controlled environment to maintain the clay's moisture and workability. If you must work outside, consider using a canopy or working during cooler parts of the day.

Putting it in the sun will merely dry it. Then it will be very fragile. Dry clay is compressed power. Unless you fire it.

Can I use ceramic clay without a kiln?

In essence, firing pottery doesn't always have to involve a Pottery Kiln. You can also make use of these innovative methods, such as pit firing or gas firing. And when you want that professional finish without owning a Top Loading Pottery Kiln, your local pottery workshops are there to provide the kiln you will need.
Can you leave clay in the sun?

To make air dry clay dry faster, you can flip your creation over at around the 24 hour mark to ensure that the entire project can dry out evenly. Avoid leaving it in the sun, using a hairdryer or putting it in the oven as this can cause cracks when the project hasn't dried evenly.

Can clay be fired in the sun?

When we fire clay it changes it to a kind of stone. That happens at above 1500 F. Much hotter than sitting in the sun and hotter than an oven. Putting it in the sun will merely dry it

Can you let pottery dry in the sun?

Dry the little pots in an area that has good circulation. You could put them in the sun, but for this beginner project, we want them to dry a bit slower so they do not dry too fast and crack. If possible, you could carefully turn the little pots upside down and let them fully dry.