I'd stay away from straight Bentonite, as it is an additive used to give "Plasticity", to ordinary clays for working on the wheel, ---if you have access to a Ceramics Supply House, ask to look at their "Dry/Raw Materials" list,-- there should be a number of listings under "Ball" & "Fire" Clays, --these are the usual clays used for most Pottery & Art Projects; they normally come in 50 LB. bags & range anywhere from $6-$20 a bag; -- "Kaolin" can be used too, this is a white clay, that comes in varying degrees of Whiteness, & is used to make Porcelain; its usually a little more expensive than the other clays; If you like chocolaty-looking clay, see if they have any "Barnard" or "Blackbird" clay,-- when wet, this looks just like dark chocolate fudge...when mixing the clay up, in whatever you're using as an container/pit, be sure to wear a bandanna or cloth, wet, over your mouth & nose; this is because the clay dust contains Silica, & you don't want that in your lungs. After its all wet, you're safe. Always add "Wet-to--Dry" when mixing,-- i.e. pour out the dry clay first & then slowly saturate with water to your desired consistency; using your feet is one the best (&funnest) ways to mix it up...and if you're using it right away, rather than letting it sit over nite to become thoroughly saturated, use as hot a water temperature as you can stand,; the clay will retain the water's heat & it makes it much more sensual, to writhe around in some nice warm, thick clay, than cold goop..above all, have a great time
