Making your own clay is a fun and easy craft that you can use to create gifts, keepsakes, and school projects. Mixing up a batch of clay is easy and you likely already have the ingredients at home. From flour and salt to paper , there are plenty of ways to make clay at home, and in this article, we dig into them all. Read on to learn how to make clay at home using various ingredients, troubleshoot common issues , and more!
Making & Using Homemade Clay
Thoroughly mix 4 cups (480 g) of flour with 1.5 cups (417 g) of salt in a large bowl, then gradually add small amounts of water until you’ve added 1.5 cups (350 mL). Knead the mixture until it forms a clay-like consistency. Mold your clay, then let it air dry for 2 days. Store unused clay in an airtight container.
Steps
Making Clay with Flour and Salt
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Mix 4 cups (480 g) of flour and 1.5 cups (417 g) of salt in a large bowl. Use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed. Make sure the flour and salt are mixed well before you add the water, because it will be harder to redistribute one of the ingredients once the clay starts to form.
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Add 1.5 c (350 mL) of water as you stir the mixture. Pour small amounts of water into the bowl at a time, stirring between pours. Blend the mixture as well as you can before you add more water. By the time all of the water is added to the bowl, your clay should be forming a ball.
- The clay should get harder to stir each time you add more water.
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Knead the clay until it reaches an even consistency. Take your clay out of the bowl and place it on a flat surface, like the kitchen counter. Use your hands to push and pull the clay to knead it into a smooth, pliable consistency.
- Pick up your clay and throw it down on the counter to work out any air bubbles that might be present. This will help your clay stay moist longer.
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Sculpt the clay as you desire. Now that your clay is ready, you can mold it into a figure , create ornaments, or just play around with it. Use it as you would use a store-bought clay.
- This kind of clay can make great keepsakes. For example, press your child's foot or hand into the dough until there is an imprint, then let the mold harden to make a gift.
Tip: Use cookie cutters or a glass to cut out shapes, if you like. Start by rolling your clay out flat using a rolling pin. Then, cut your clay into shapes using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass, which can make circles for ornaments. If you wish to hang the shapes as ornaments, poke a hole near the top of the shape using a drinking straw or a toothpick.
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Air dry or bake your clay to preserve your model. If you want to create a sculpture or keepsake, you’ll need to let your clay dry. This kind of clay dries out pretty quickly, but it’s best to leave it untouched for at least 2 days to make sure it’s fully dry. To speed up the drying process, bake your clay at 212 °F (100 °C) for 3 hours. If it still feels soft after 3 hours, put it back in the oven for up to 2 more hours.
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Store unused clay in an airtight container. You can preserve your clay for a few weeks by keeping it in an airtight container. Make sure you leave the clay in the container whenever you’re not playing with it, as it will dry a little bit whenever it’s exposed to the air.
- For instance, you can use a plastic bag with a zipper or a Tupperware container. For extra longevity, place the clay in the refrigerator.
Making Clay with Cornstarch, Salt, and Water
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Heat 2 ⁄ 3 c (160 mL) of water and 2 cups (550 g) of salt for 4 minutes. Pour the water into a saucepan, then stir in the salt to create a lumpy consistency. Place the saucepan on your stove and heat it over medium heat for 4 minutes. Stir the mixture as it heats to prevent it from burning. [1] X Research source
- Use potholders or a towel to handle the pot so you don’t accidentally get burned.
- You can heat the mixture in the microwave by warming it for 30 seconds at a time until it feels hot to the touch. However, don’t microwave it for longer than 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and add 1 c (120 g) of cornstarch and .5 c (120 mL) of cold water. Remove the pot from the heat, then pour in the cornstarch and cold water. Use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the mixture together. [2] X Research source
- It will be difficult to stir the clay; it's supposed to have a thick consistency.
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Knead the mixture until it feels smooth. Put the clay on a flat surface, such as the countertop. Then, use your hands to push and pull the clay until it reaches an even consistency. It should feel very pliable in your hands. As you knead the clay, it helps to throw it down against the counter to push out any air pockets. [3] X Research source
- If the clay still isn’t your desired consistency, put it back into the pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir regularly with a wooden spoon to keep it from sticking. Remove the clay from the heat when it reaches your desired consistency.
- Let the clay cool to room temperature before you play with it.
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Add a few drops of food coloring if you’d like colored clay. Squeeze 5-6 drops of food coloring over the clay, then knead to mix in the color. Continue to add food coloring until you reach your desired color. [4] X Research source
- To add some glitz and glam to your clay, mix glitter into your clay.
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Allow your clay to air dry for 2 days if you sculpt it. Now, you can do whatever you want with your clay. Carve a sculpture of one of your favorite characters, make a clay ring, build a giant replica of your favorite city, literally whatever! Just make sure you give it 2 days to dry before touching it so you don’t damage it. [5] X Research source
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Store your clay in an airtight container when you’re not using it. Your clay will dry out in the air, so it’s important to put it away between uses. You can expect your clay to last for about 2 weeks if you consistently put it away in an airtight container. [6] X Research source
- The best storage containers for this type of clay are plastic bags with a zipper or Tupperware.
Making Clay with Flour, Salt, and Cream of Tartar
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Combine all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Use measuring cups to add 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup (230 g) of table salt to a large non-stick pot. Then, measure out 4 tsp (14 g) of cream of tartar with a spoon and add it to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients until they're combined. [7] X Research source
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Add 2 cups (470 mL) of water and 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil. Use a measuring cup to pour 2 cups (470 mL) of room temperature water into the pot, then measure out 2 US tbsp (30 mL) of vegetable oil with a spoon. Stir the ingredients with your wooden spoon to combine them. [8] X Research source
- Stir the ingredients until all of the dry ingredients are moist from the wet ingredients.
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Put the ingredients over medium heat and stir to make a thick ball. Place the pot on your stove and turn the burner on medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients continuously as you heat them. Once the ingredients are well-combined, they'll start to form a lump that sticks to your spoon. When your clay ball forms, turn off the heat and move the pot to a cool burner. [9] X Research source
- Be careful when handling the clay and the pot, as they are both hot. Don't burn yourself!
Stir it continuously so it heats evenly. Don't let the clay sit against the sides of the pot, as it will burn.
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Place the clay on wax paper so it can cool for 1-2 minutes. Use your wooden spoon to remove the clay ball from the pot. Place the clay ball on a sheet of wax paper so it can cool for about 2 minutes. Then, use your fingertip to see if the ball feels warm to the touch but not hot. Handle the clay when it feels about room temperature. [10] X Research source
- The clay will be hot when you first take it out of the pot. Don't touch it because it will likely burn your hand.
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Knead the room temperature clay until it's soft and smooth. Use your hands to knead (press and squish) the clay and push out air bubbles, improve the consistency, and eliminate clumping. Continue to work the clay until it feels soft and pliable (which could take up to 10 minutes).
- Pick up your clay and throw it down on the counter to work out any air bubbles that might be present and help your clay stay moist longer.
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Dye your clay using 5-6 drops of food coloring if you like. Place the clay into a plastic, resealable bag. Then, add 5-6 drops of food coloring to the bag. Seal the bag and knead the clay with your hands until the color is evenly distributed. [11] X Research source
- To alter the smell of your clay, add a few drops of vanilla to it.
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Store your clay in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. When you're not using your clay, keep it in an airtight container so it won't dry out. If you store it correctly, your clay should last for several months. [12] X Research source
- Alternatively, store your clay in an airtight food storage container.
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Allow your clay to air dry if you create a sculpture or keepsake. If you want to use your clay to create a figurine, keepsake, or project, you can preserve your work by letting it air dry for about 2 days. Leave the clay untouched during this time, then check on it. If it still feels a little moist, it may need more drying time. [13] X Research source
Making Pottery Clay with Soil
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Collect soil that contains clay and remove any sticks and debris. Look for a spot near running water where the sand has washed away from the clay, or dig down until you see white, grey, or red clay. Use your hands or a shovel to dig out the clay and put it into a large bucket. Then, sift through the clay and soil and remove rocks, branches, leaves, and other debris. [14] X Research source
- It’s likely that some debris will also get into the bucket. That’s okay because you’ll remove it later.
- If you have dry clay soil in your area, simply scoop up the clay and add water to it. If it holds its shape, you can use it for pottery! [15] X Research source
- Toss the debris in the garbage or take it back where you found it to preserve nature. It’s okay if you miss some of the debris, as you're going to rinse the clay with water later.
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Add enough water to cover the soil, stir, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Use a water hose or bucket to add water to the clay. Then, use your arm or a shovel to stir the water into the clay. Keep mixing until you have muddy water. Then, set a timer and wait for 2 minutes as the debris settles to the bottom of the bucket. The clay will stay suspended in the water. [16] X Research source [17] X Research source
- The water will start to dissolve the clay, which will help remove any trapped debris.
- It’s okay if there’s a thin layer of water on top of the muddy clay.
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Pour the muddy water through a filter and into a second bucket. Carefully tip the bucket over and let the muddy clay water slosh through the filter and into a clean bucket. Pour the muddy water slowly to avoid spills. By the time you’ve emptied the bucket, the debris will be trapped on the filtered screen, leaving you with cleaner clay. [18] X Research source
- It’s okay if a small amount of clay remains in the first bucket. Similarly, it’s normal for there to still be debris in the clay after one rinse.
- Empty the contents of the first bucket onto the ground or into a trash can after filtering. Then, use a water hose or tap to rinse out the bucket until it’s clean. [19] X Research source
- Don’t worry about soaping up the bucket. You’re just going to use it to rinse the clay again.
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Repeat the process until there’s no more debris in the water. Continue to clean your clay by adding water and letting the debris settle until your clay appears relatively free of debris. Dip your hand into the clay and slosh it around to check that it’s clean. [20] X Research source
- You’ll likely need to rinse the clay at least 2-3 times to get it clean.
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Leave the bucket of clay-water to dry overnight. At this point, the clay should be very watery. Set the bucket uncovered in a place it won’t be disturbed. Then, let it sit for at least 8 hours so that the water can evaporate away. [21] X Research source
- Your clay will still be really runny after it sits out overnight.
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Drain the excess water on top of the clay, then dry it in fabric for 2 days. Once your clay has dried out for at least 8 hours, check for a thin layer of water at the top. Gently tip the bucket over to drain away the excess water. Then, lay out a large sheet of fabric and carefully pour the remaining lumpy clay mixture into it. Quickly wrap the fabric around the clay to trap it, then hang it up outside for 2 days. [22] X Research source
- Your clay still needs to dry out before you can use it.
- Hanging the clay outside will allow the water to drip out of the fabric without damaging anything.
- Some of the clay will be quite runny, so be careful as you pour.
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Leave the clay in the sun until it reaches the desired consistency. Open the fabric and lay the clay out on the ground or another flat surface. Use your hand to spread out the clay over the fabric so it suns evenly. Check the clay every 6-8 hours during daylight to see if it feels like it’s ready for pottery. Expect it to take about a day to reach the right consistency. [23] X Research source
- It’s okay to start using your clay for pottery as soon as you’re happy with the consistency.
Making Clay with Paper
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Grab a sheet of newspaper or printer paper and shred it. The paper you use to make your paper clay doesn’t necessarily matter, as long as it’s shreddable. Once you’ve decided on a paper, shred it as fine as you can to make the rest of the process easier. Once it’s shredded, put the paper into a bowl and leave some room for water. [24] X Research source
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Fill the paper-filled bowl with hot water and leave it overnight. Use enough hot water to completely cover the paper. It’s best if the water is boiling, as it will break the paper down more easily. Once you’ve covered the paper-filled bowl with water, leave it to sit overnight to pulp the paper. [25] X Research source
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Blend the pulped paper, then wring out any water. After leaving the watery paper mixture in the bowl overnight, the mixture will be a soft, blendable consistency. Use a hand blender or transfer the contents of the bowl into a standing blender, then blend the mixture until it’s a soft, squishy dough-like consistency. Squeeze the dough-like pulp mixture over the sink to drain and water. [26] X Research source
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Mix ⅓ cup (42 g) of all-purpose flour and a tiny bit of salt into the pulped mixture. The salt will help extend the lifespan of the clay, and you don’t need too much. Once you add the salt and all-purpose flour, mix the pulp, flour, and salt using your hands until it all starts to clump together. [27] X Research source
- If your mixture doesn’t clump together after mixing, add a bit more flour until it does.
- After mixing the clay, grab a piece and mold it to see if it holds together. If it does, your clay is good to go!
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Put your paper clay into an airtight container until you’re ready to use it. Now that you’ve completed your paper clay mixture, you’ll need to store it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Grab some Tupperware or another airtight container, place your clay into it, then close it to seal. If you don’t have Tupperware, wrap the clay in plastic wrap and make sure there aren’t any air bubbles. Only unseal it when you’re ready to use. [28] X Research source
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I soften clay that has hardened?Deanna Ranlett is a Pottery and Ceramics Professional and the Owner of Mudfire Inc. in Decatur, Georgia. With more than 22 years of experience in the ceramics industry and eight years of experience owning a studio, they specialize in glaze formulation, firing ceramic and pottery pieces, general clay projects, and screen printing for ceramics. Deanna holds a BFA in Ceramic Arts and Ceramics from Georgia State University.If you have a block of it that has dried out, pour a little bit of water into the bag, seal it back up and just let it sit. The process should take just a couple of days.
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QuestionHow long does it take for no bake clay to dry out?Danielle HusbandCommunity AnswerIt usually takes about 2 days for it to fully dry out. However, you may need to wait longer if you live in an area that's high in humidity.
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QuestionWhat should I do if the clay is more like dough?Unicorn Believer and LoverCommunity AnswerAdd some cornstarch or baby oil. Let it alone for about 15 minutes. That should do the trick.
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Tips
- Store your clay in an airtight container when you aren’t using it so that it lasts longer. However, keep in mind that your clay will still spoil eventually.Thanks
- If the clay is too dry, add a bit of water or cooking oil to make it wetter.Thanks
- If you’re using a method that involves heat, stir the mixture every 15-30 seconds to avoid burning the clay.Thanks
Warnings
- This clay may grow mold if you leave it out for a long time.Thanks
- Never step away from your stove or oven while it’s on. Keep an eye on your clay.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.familyeducation.com/entertainment-activities/arts-crafts/how-to-make-clay-5-easy-homemade-recipes
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=37
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=45
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=45
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=56
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=53
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=62
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjWekXs1HOE&feature=youtu.be&t=62
- ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/primitive-ceramics-how-to-make-your-own-clay-pots/
- ↑ https://www.outdoorlife.com/primitive-ceramics-how-to-make-your-own-clay-pots/
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfo-Ndib_fg&feature=youtu.be&t=20
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfo-Ndib_fg&feature=youtu.be&t=44
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://www.popsci.com/how-to-make-pottery-from-scratch/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YirNv5xOjfM?si=EP8lINQLB7rPF_U5&t=1
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YirNv5xOjfM?si=87hHSiVkzYpjBcyZ&t=15
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YirNv5xOjfM?si=BUOv4e3Ky4FgV0MR&t=67
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YirNv5xOjfM?si=PrJCKYGaLwUsJyI5&t=136
- ↑ https://youtu.be/YirNv5xOjfM?si=FRsdmq6lP3hHya3q&t=230
- ↑ Deanna Ranlett. Pottery & Ceramics Professional. Expert Interview
- ↑ Natasha Dikareva, MFA. Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/7287/
- ↑ https://www.foxwoll.com/blogs/different-types-of-sandpaper/
About This Article
To make clay, first pour 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (230 g) of table salt, and 4 teaspoons (14 g) of cream of tartar into a large non-stick pot. Then, add 2 cups (500 mL) of room-temperature water and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vegetable oil. Heat the ingredients over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon to blend everything together. Stop stirring when the ingredients start to stick together and form a thick ball around your spoon. Now, pour the clay onto some wax paper and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Once the clay is room temperature, knead it until it's smooth and soft. To dye your clay a different color, place it in a resealable plastic bag and add 5 to 6 drops of food coloring. Close the bag and knead the clay between your hands. You can store your clay in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 months. For tips on how to make clay with different ingredients, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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