How to Make Clay Magnets

A fun afternoon craft for toddler, kids and even teens is to make clay magnets for the refrigerator. The designs are limited only by imagination and the ingredients are usually on hand. Small children can make simple shapes or figures, while older children can form words, fruits, vegetables, characters or more elaborate designs. The result is hours of entertainment and creativity and handy magnets to use or give as gifts.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 teaspoon alum
• 1 1/2 cup water
• Mixing bowl
• Flour
• Magnets
• Paint brush
• Cookie sheet
• Salt
• Sand paper
• Acrylic paint
• Water
• Sealer
• Glue

1. Mix the flour, salt, alum and water together in a large mixing bowl.

2. Knead together thoroughly.

3. Pinch off small amount of clay. Condition it by rolling on the table under the heel of your hand until it is soft and pliable.

4. Mold into shapes, decorations and figures, measuring no more 1-inch thick.

5. Place finished clay figures flat on an ungreased cookie sheet.

6. Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes, then flip over and bake for 90 minutes more.

7. Let cool on a wire rack.

8. Sand lightly with sandpaper to smooth the edges.

9. Paint with acrylic paints to finish decorating. Let dry.

10. Glue a small magnet to the back of the clay figure.

11. Seal with a clear shellac or acrylic spray.

Tips & Warnings

• Hot glue will immediately secure the magnet and provides a strong bond.

• For small magnets, you can seal the item with clear fingernail polish.

• Test to make sure the magnet is strong enough to hold the figure onto the refrigerator.