How to Make Modeling Clay

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Play dough is a favorite with kids and parents alike because the squishy, sensory fun fosters creativity as well as fine motor skills. You can take the activity to the next level by making homemade modeling clay. Once the kids' creations dry they can be kept and treasured, instead of thrown away.

Advertisement

To preserve modeling clay creations, just allow them to dry out.

Video of the Day

Things You'll Need

Step 1

Salt and flour are the two main ingredients for homemade modeling clay.

You likely already have all the ingredients for homemade modeling clay in your kitchen. All you need is water, flour, salt and food coloring. Please see the last slide for an itemized list of tools and materials.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Mix the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

Mix the flour, salt and water in a bowl. Continue stirring until the mixture forms a ball.

Advertisement

Step 3

Add food coloring to your dough.

Divide the dough into sections and add a few drops of food coloring. Knead the dough with your hands and continue to add food coloring, a few drops at a time, until the desired color is achieved.

Advertisement

Step 4

Let your art dry out overnight.

Use your hands to mold the various colors of dough into a three dimensional piece of art. Once your masterpiece is complete, leave it out to dry overnight.

Advertisement

Alternatively, you can place it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on your dough every 30 minutes. It will take two to four hours to bake, depending on the thickness of your project.

Step 5

Store left-over dough in the refrigerator.

The remaining dough can be stored in the refrigerator in air-tight containers.

Tip

You can skip the food coloring and paint your art with craft paint once it has hardened.

Advertisement