How to Make Clay for Kids

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
Gather the ingredients. 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
Stir together the salt, flour, and cream of tartar in a large bowl until they're well mixed.
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Make a well in the middle of your dry ingredients and pour the oil and food color in the center.
4
Pour in the boiling water. 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.
This will allow the flour to absorb some of the water and let the clay set up.
Remove the clay from the bowl and form it into a ball. Knead it for a few minutes until the clay is smooth.
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]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Making Cooked Clay with Flour and Water

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1
Gather the ingredients. 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
Place them in a large saucepan and stir till well combined.
Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is hot. Then, stir in the vegetable oil.
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.
The dough will start pulling away from the side of the pan. Turn off the heat and scoop the clay onto a dry surface.
Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth.^{[2]XResearch source}
^{[3]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Making Clay with Cornstarch and Baking Soda

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1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- food coloring, optional
Stir them together in a saucepan.
Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
4
Cook the mixture. 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.
Once the clay has clumped together in the saucepan, remove it from heat and transfer it to a plate.
Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth.^{[4]XResearch source}
^{[5]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Making Clay with White Bread and Glue

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1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 2 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons white glue
- Paint for coloring, optional.
Cut or tear off the crusts from the bread and throw the crusts away.
Smaller pieces of bread will make kneading the clay easier. Place your bread pieces in a small bowl.
Mix the bread and glue together thoroughly with a large spoon.
Add a couple of drops and stir well. Always add small amounts until you get the desired color.
The glove will keep your hand clean and dry.
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.
Knead the clay ball with both hands. When it forms a ball, it's ready for using in your project.
Clay can keep for a few weeks, if well sealed and kept in the refrigerator.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Making Clay with Kool-Aid

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1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Stir the ingredients in a large bowl.
3
Mix boiling water and vegetable oil. In a separate bowl, stir together the boiling water and vegetable oil until mostly combined.
- Use caution when heating and pouring boiling water.
Mix the dry and wet ingredients till completely combined and smooth.
When the clay has cooled to the touch, remove it from the bowl and knead until it's totally smooth.
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.

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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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.
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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.
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Tips

If you don't want to use food coloring, consider painting dough that's hardened.
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Helpful48 Not Helpful20
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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