How to Make Modeling Clay That Can Be Dried

Create permanent sculptures with air-drying clay.

Plan a creative activity to teach children hand-molding clay skills or create your own ornaments and decorative objects with homemade air-drying clay. This type of clay, unlike standard, oil-based modeling clay, dries in the open air, preserving your creations into solid keepsakes. Make the clay ahead of time or make it whenever you need an activity to fill time on a rainy day.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Food coloring
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of water into a mixing bowl.

2. Stir the ingredients with a mixing spoon until the clay is consistent in texture.

3. Knead the clay with your hands until it becomes firm and smooth.

4. Drop a few drops of food coloring into the bowl and blend it into the clay with your hands. (Wear rubber gloves to avoid stains on your skin.) Drop the food coloring a few drops at a time until the color of the clay reaches your desired shade.

5. Sculpt decorative figures with the clay and allow them to air-dry overnight before checking for dryness. Thicker pieces may require three or four days of total drying time.

6. Store leftover clay in an airtight container and use it within a few days.