Want to speed things up? Place your clay in a warm, dry spot with gentle airflow—near a sunny window or a radiator (but not too close!). You can also use a fan on low, but don’t aim it directly at the piece.
Want to slow it down to avoid cracks? Wrap it loosely in a plastic bag or damp cloth overnight. This lets the moisture escape slowly, like a controlled sigh.
And never, ever use a microwave or oven. That’s like putting a ice cube in a frying pan—instant disaster. The clay will bubble, scorch, or explode into a sad pile of dust.