How to Make Kid Clay for Art Projects

Whether you're a teacher or a parent, making kid clay for art projects is inexpensive and fun. It not only provides a medium for creative hands and minds, it offers an opportunity to teach measurement, kitchen safety, and art skills. Try using kid clay to make objects, tiny dolls, pretend food, holiday decorations, or use your imagination to come up with other clever uses. Follow the simple instructions below and have fun with kids using homemade clay.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup salt
• 3 cups flour
• 1-1/4 cup water
• Measuring cup
• Bowl
• Spoon
• Wooden board or piece of waxed paper
• Rolling pin
• Plastic knife
• Baking sheet
• Variety of items for designs - pencil points, plastic fork, toothpicks, buttons, tiny plastic toys, etc.
• Tempura paints and brushes.

1. 
    
   Make Holiday Decorations with Kid Clay

   Pour 1 cup salt into a bowl. Add i-1/4 cup warm tap water and stir until the salt dissolves. Add 3 cups flour and stir until well mixed. Knead the dough as you would bread dough. Shape and reshape it with your hands until it's smooth and firm and can be formed into a ball. Your children will enjoy doing this with you. Make this their project. The more time and energy they invest in the activity, the more successful they will feel. If you don't plan on using the play dough right away, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. The mixture will last about a week.

2. 
    
   Cookie Cutters Help Shape Your Project

   Preheat the oven to 250º and demonstrate kitchen safety. Children need to be instructed on how to use an oven. Safety first at all times. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a wooden board or waxed paper taped down to a table. If you have a sheet of glass, that will work well, too. The dough shouldn't be too thick or it won't bake properly and it should be the same thickness throughout. It is the same as rolling out pie or pizza dough.

3. 
    
   Making Kid Clay is Easy and Fun

   Cut into shapes, press in designs using items you've collected. If you plan to use some of the pieces as Christmas ornaments or to hang somewhere, be sure to poke a hole in the shape so that a ribbon or string can be inserted after baking. Use the plastic knife and fork to cut shapes. Use cookie cutter in the shape of gingerbread boys, stars, angels, Santa faces, or snowmen. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. If the project is a large item, it might take as long as 2 hours. Check after about 40 minutes. You'll know the play dough projects are ready when they turn a golden brown. Remove from the oven using a potholder.

4. 
    
   Kid Clay Ornaments Make Good Gifts

   Once thoroughly cool, it is time to paint the objects. Use tempura paint and small brushes. You can find small pots of colorful paint in art supply, hobby, and even drug stores. Not much is needed. Demonstrate first before your child paints, taking it slow and easy. Acrylic paint will work, too, if you have some on hand. While the paints will resemble frosting at times, especially if you mix up pinks or pale yellow colors, children must be reminded they are working on art objects, not cookies or anything edible. Folllow the tips below to increase enjoyment of this activity.

Tips & Warnings

• If you botch a few objects, throw them out. This recipe is inexpensive and easy. With experience, you'll have it figured out like any favorite recipe.
• Allow children to help as much as possible. You can get them to wait while you demonstrate. Then let them have a turn.
• Patience helps. The projects are for fun, not for an art gallery.
• Play food for pretend doll house activities can be made with kid clay. Since the recipe is inexpensive, it can be thrown out and new food made periodically.
• If making an ornament for a tree or to make the project last, you can spray with varnish in a well ventilated area. This is an activity for adults, not children.
• Some children are impatient, but they learn from experience. If they are so eager they spoil a tiny work of art, they will be more patient the next time.
• Remember it is the process that is more important than the product. Don't get too hung up on the end result.
• Be sure to make it fun. Choose a time when you are not stressed or rushed.

[PABechko]

on 10/17/2008 Fun, I made this stuff when I was a kid, great to see it's still around!

[gatorgirl182]

on 8/30/2008 Great idea! 5 Stars *****