How to Make Baker's Clay
Baker’s Clay hit the peak of its popularity in the 1970’s when magazines were filled with all sorts of ideas for using the popular craft medium. It combines the fun of molding clay with the appeal of creating an item which will last forever. Parents can make Baker’s Clay for their children; artists can turn Baker’s Clay into works of art. And an important bonus is that it’s an inexpensive craft.
Things You'll Need
- A large bowl
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 cup of salt
- 1 ½ cups of water
- Knives, pencils, and other detailing “tools”
- Assorted colors acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Clear fixative or fingernail polish
- Access to an oven
- Cookie sheets
- Ribbon (optional)
Instructions
-
How to Make Baker's Clay
-
1
Mix together 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water, in a large bowl.
-
2
Stir mixture thoroughly, adding up to another ½ cup of water if mixture seems too thick.
-
-
3
Knead the mixture for at least five minutes, until it is thoroughly mixed, smooth, and pliant.
-
4
Pinch off a piece and shape as desired. For example, you might like to make some miniature fruit, or some little people or animals. For holidays you might want to make little jack-o-lanterns, hearts, or candy canes. Mold the pieces or use a knife to cut the shapes. Use a pencil point to make features on faces or other details. If you want to hang the items as ornaments, use the pencil to hollow out a good-sized hole—big enough for a ribbon to fit through—near the top of the item.
-
5
Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
-
6
Set the items on the cookie sheet. Baking times will vary greatly depending on the thickness of the items. Watch for items to turn a light brown color and to feel hard to the touch.
-
7
Let items cool thoroughly.
-
8
Use acrylic paints to decorate items; however, some people like the appearance of the items just as they come from the oven. In either case, give the items a couple coats of fixative or clear fingernail polish for a nice finished appearance.
-
9
String ribbon through items you want to use as ornaments.
-
1
