How to Make Lint Clay

Clay is a popular art medium. Many different types of clay exist, but almost none can match the availability of lint clay. Lint clay is made from discarded pieces of lint from your dryer, offering a simple and economical source for clay.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lint
• Warm water
• White glue
• Dishwashing liquid
• Food coloring
• Spoon
• Newspaper
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cup

1. Collect 2 cups of lint from your dryer. Pack down the lint while measuring the cups so that you may have enough lint with which to work. Put aside 1/3 cup warm water, 6 tbs. white glue, 1 tbs. fragrance-free, clear dishwashing liquid and a food coloring color of your choice.

2. Grab a medium size mixing bowl. Place the lint in the bowl. Add the water, white glue, dishwashing liquid and a few drops of food coloring to the mix.

3. Mix the all the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon. Long-handled spoons may help you control the mixing motions.

4. Lay a few sheets of newspaper down on a counter. Take the mixture out of the bowl and put it on the newspaper.

5. Kneed the mixture until you achieve your desired texture of clay. Ideally, the clay's texture should be uniform throughout the clay, without any bumps or clumps of ingredients.

6. Use the clay to mold shapes, figures or sculptures. Let the sculpture dry completely for 3 to 7 days before moving it.

Tips & Warnings

• Children find lint clay fun to make and easy to work with.