How to Make Salt Dough Clay

Enjoying the finished product

Salt dough clay is often a staple of elementary school art classes, however making it at home is a simple do-it-yourself project that is easy enough to be completed with help from children. The finished product can provide hours of fun for kids, where their imagination and creativity are allowed to run free with little or no clean up required. Once completed, the clay can be used to make sculptures, craft projects, special ornaments or just used for fun.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Food coloring
• Large mixing bowl
• Plastic container with lid

Instructions

1. Mix the flour and salt in the large mixing bowl. Use your hands to evenly blend the ingredients and create a well in the center to add the water.

2. Slowly add water to the mixture while beginning to knead the clay with your hands. The water should be at least room temperature to promote even mixing. Try to work out any lumps or kinks as you continue to add water.

3. Continue mixing with your hands and be cognizant of the texture; if the clay feels too gritty add more flour to soften, if it feels too fine, add more salt.

4. If you wish to make colored clay, add food coloring while still blending the ingredients. To make different color clay, divide the mixture into separate bowls after mixing and introduce the colors while continuing to hand mix. Add as much color as desired.

5. Once the clay texture feels right, remove it from the bowl and continue to knead and work the dough. Shape the clay into a ball and continue to knead out any uneven areas. If it begins to stick to your hands add more flour. The goal is to make the clay more malleable and to prevent it from sticking to surfaces or hands.

6. When not in use, store the clay in the refrigerator in an air tight plastic container. Be sure to dust the inside of the container with flour before you put the clay in. This will prevent it from sticking to the plastic when you take it out again.

Tips & Warnings

• Always monitor children when playing with the clay. While it seems harmless, the clay can be a choking hazard of swallowed.

References

• Easy Child Crafts.com: Easy Salt Dough Recipes Every Child Can Make