How to Make Clay That Bakes

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Things You'll Need

  • Large bowl

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup salt

  • 1 cup cold water plus a few tablespoons

  • 1-2 tablespoons vegetable or baby oil

  • Aluminum foil

  • Baking sheet

  • Clear varnish spray

  • Instant coffee

  • 1 cup fine sawdust

  • 1 cup thin paste

Homemade baking clay boasts a non-toxic and affordable formula.

Homemade clay involves everyone in the household. The wonderful aroma of softened flour and vegetable oil creates a natural, moldable clay that can be made on a tight budget. This non-toxic homemade clay is perfect for small children who want to craft their own unique creations, which are then gently baked in the oven and cooled to keep precious keepsakes in tact.

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Flour Clay

Step 1

Mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup table salt, 1 cup of cold water and about a tablespoon of vegetable or baby oil in a large bowl. Mix until the substance is firm and rolls into a ball without sticking. Add a few extra tablespoons of cold water, if the mixture is too dry.

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Step 2

Cover a baking sheet in aluminum foil. Mold and shape the clay into the shapes you desire. Place them on the covered baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake the clay for about one hour at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on the clay to ensure that it does not burn. Remove from the oven once they are completely hardened but have not browned. Allow the clay to cool.

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Step 4

Spray the clay with a clear varnish spray to keep the shape and consistency in tact for display.

Coffee Clay

Step 1

Mix together 4 cups flour, 1 cup salt. In a separate bowl dissolve about 1/4 cup of instant, powdered coffee in 1 1/2 cups of warm water.

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Step 2

Add the warm coffee water to the flour mixture bowl slowly. Stir together until the mixture forms a firm ball.

Step 3

Shape into the desired shapes and place on an foil-covered baking sheet. Bake for about an hour at 300 degrees F. until the clay has hardened completely. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

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Sawdust Clay

Step 1

Mix together 1 cup of sawdust and 1 cup of paste, until the two ingredients form a solid ball that does not stick to the sides of the bowl.

Step 2

Knead the mixture for about two minutes to create an even consistency.

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Step 3

Shape the clay into the desired shapes and place on a foil-covered baking sheet. Bake the clay for about an hour in a 200 degree F. oven until the clay has hardened. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before handling.

Tip

Paint over the baked clay with acrylic or tempera paints before applying the varnish spray.

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