How to Make Clay for Kids

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Are you frustrated when store bought play clay dries out? Tired of buying something that seems so simple to make? With several household ingredients, you can save money and create a fun activity. Clay can be made a variety of ways. While no-cook clays are mixed up quickly, cooked clays last longer. Clays can also be made with several different ingredients, including flour, cornstarch, white bread, and even Kool-Aid. Stop being frustrated and start having fun while making clay!

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using Flour and Water (Easy Method)

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    You'll need:
    • 1 cup salt
    • 2 cups flour
    • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • Food coloring, optional
    • 2 cups boiling water
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Stir together the salt, flour, and cream of tartar in a large bowl until they're well mixed.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour the oil and food color in the center.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Pour the water over all the ingredients in your bowl and stir the mixture well. You may not need to put all the water in.
    • Use caution when heating the water and pouring the boiling liquid.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    This will allow the flour to absorb some of the water and let the clay set up.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Remove the clay from the bowl and form it into a ball. Knead it for a few minutes until the clay is smooth.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    If you store dyed clay in a plastic container, be aware that the clay may stain. The dough should keep for a few weeks, if sealed well. [1]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Making Cooked Clay with Flour and Water

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    You'll need:
    • 5 cups water
    • 2 1/2 cups salt
    • 3 tablespoons cream of tartar
    • food coloring, optional
    • 10 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 5 cups flour
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Place them in a large saucepan and stir till well combined.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is hot. Then, stir in the vegetable oil.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Add one cup of flour at a time and stir really well after each cup you add. The mixture will be sticky and shaggy. Just keep stirring.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    The dough will start pulling away from the side of the pan. Turn off the heat and scoop the clay onto a dry surface.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth. [2]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    [3]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Making Clay with Cornstarch and Baking Soda

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    You'll need:
    • 1 cup cornstarch
    • 2 cups baking soda
    • 1 1/4 cups water
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • food coloring, optional
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Stir them together in a saucepan.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the mixture starts to look a bit dry. Stir constantly to keep the mixture from sticking.
    • When the mixture starts to look like dry mashed potatoes, it's finished cooking.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Once the clay has clumped together in the saucepan, remove it from heat and transfer it to a plate.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth. [4]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    [5]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Making Clay with White Bread and Glue

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    You'll need:
    • 2 slices white bread
    • 4 tablespoons white glue
    • Paint for coloring, optional.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Cut or tear off the crusts from the bread and throw the crusts away.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Smaller pieces of bread will make kneading the clay easier. Place your bread pieces in a small bowl.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Mix the bread and glue together thoroughly with a large spoon.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Add a couple of drops and stir well. Always add small amounts until you get the desired color.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    The glove will keep your hand clean and dry.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    When the bread clay starts to form into a mass, remove it from the bowl. Knead it with the gloved hand until it stops being sticky.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Knead the clay ball with both hands. When it forms a ball, it's ready for using in your project.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Clay can keep for a few weeks, if well sealed and kept in the refrigerator.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Making Clay with Kool-Aid

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    You'll need:
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1 cup salt
    • 2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid
    • 2 cups boiling water
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Stir the ingredients in a large bowl.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    In a separate bowl, stir together the boiling water and vegetable oil until mostly combined.
    • Use caution when heating and pouring boiling water.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    Mix the dry and wet ingredients till completely combined and smooth.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    When the clay has cooled to the touch, remove it from the bowl and knead until it's totally smooth.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make Clay for Kids
    If you store dyed clay in a plastic container, be aware that the clay may stain. The dough should keep for a few weeks, if sealed well.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Is there a substitute I can use for cream of tartar?
    Community Answer
    Only if the recipe has baking soda and cream of tartar, then you can use baking powder to replace both.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 25
  • Question
    What should I do if my clay dries out?
    Community Answer
    Once your clay dries out there's nothing you can do. You will have to make a new batch.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 30
  • Question
    Do I have to use boiling water or can it just be hot water from the sink?
    Community Answer
    The water from the sink will probably not be hot enough. If you are a kid, ask an adult for help boiling the water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If you don't want to use food coloring, consider painting dough that's hardened.
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      • Try adding glitter or scented oils to mix up your clay. Keep in mind, you may not want to add these if small children will be playing with the clay.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Mixing bowls
      • Saucepans
      • Gloves
      • Large spoon
      • Plastic cover/wrap
      • Sealed container for longer term storage

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      References

      1. ↑ http://artfulparent.com/2012/02/no-cook-versus-cooked-homemade-playdough-recipe.html
      2. ↑ http://artfulparent.com/2010/12/candy-cane-playdough.html
      3. ↑ http://artfulparent.com/2012/02/no-cook-versus-cooked-homemade-playdough-recipe.html
      4. ↑ http://www.argostarch.com/Recipe/Play_Clay
      5. ↑ http://artfulparent.com/2012/02/no-cook-versus-cooked-homemade-playdough-recipe.html

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