How to Make Modelling Clay

Clay snowpeople

Making modelling clay is a great rainy-day activity for kids. Using pennies worth of ingredients from the kitchen, this earth-friendly, non-toxic recipe gives you lots of model-making bang for your buck.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• 3/4 cup salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Mixing spoon
• Large bowl
• Clean cutting board
• Food coloring or unsweetened drink mix (optional)
• Acrylic paints and brush (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the ingredients, using a measuring cup.

2. Pour salt into a mixing bowl.

3. Add warm water to the salt. Mix it well, using the spoon. The salt will dissolve completely (or almost completely) in the water.

4. Add flour to the salt water a small amount at a time, mixing well.

5. Take a lump of clay and dump it onto the cutting board. Knead it well, blending all ingredients.

6. Test the consistency of the clay. If it feels too sticky, knead in some extra flour. If it is too dry or crumbly, knead in some additional warm water.

7. Color your clay. Divide the wet clay into small portions, and add food coloring or some unsweetened drink mix and knead it all completely. Repeat the step for each color desired. If you want, you can paint the model after it dries with acrylic paints and a brush for deeper, brighter colors.

8. Use your new modelling clay to build your model. If cracks appear in your model as you work, smooth them out with a bit of water.

9. Allow clay to air-dry overnight or place it in the oven, on very low heat (200 degrees or less) for a few minutes. If using the oven method, stand by the oven and check the model every 2 or 3 minutes.

10. Refrigerate and store leftover clay in an air-tight container. If kept cold and away from air, this clay should stay fresh for 2 or 3 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Food coloring and paint can permanently stain clothing or furniture. Be sure to wear old clothes and cover all surfaces with newspaper or plastic. Even though this recipe is made of kitchen ingredients and is non-toxic in small amounts, it's not intended to be eaten. Supervise children playing with it and keep it away from pets.

Resources

• Homemade Modeling Clay Recipe
• How to make modelling clay
• Homemade clay