How to Make Craft Clay and Playdough
Making Playdough and Moldable Clay for Kid Crafts and Activities
Nov 6, 2008
From soft form clay (like playdough) to dried clay you can paint, and everything in between, have fun watching your kids (or do it yourself!) create their own work of art! Making craft clay is also a great way to add a science lesson in conversation with your child. Science Talk will be *starred* when, during the process of making the clay, it’s a good time to discuss something with your child. Remember to let your child help prepare these craft clays in any way he or she can.
Making Playdough
Preserved Playdough Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tablespoons alum (what keeps it preserved)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Food coloring
Stir together all dry ingredients into a large pan and mix well. In a separate bowl, add oil and food coloring.
*Science Talk!* Ask your child what he observes when you add the water and oil together.
Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry. Mix, knead, and press, adding flour for desired stickiness.
*Science Talk!* Let your child knead two colors together to see what other colors can be made.
When finished with this activity, store in an airtight container for several weeks.
Playdough Cooked Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup salt
- 2 teaspoons creame of tartar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Food coloring
In a saucepan, combine dry ingredients. Mix liquids in a separate bowl before combining with dry ingredients. Stir until smooth and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes a ball. Let cool and knead until smooth.
*Science Talk!* Add scented oil (found in candle stores, or a dab of oil from an air freshener oil refill) and talk about the five senses.
Playdough Baked Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup salt
- 1 ¾ cups water
- condensed milk
- food coloring
- tactile items: buttons, macaroni, rocks, acorns, rice, beads, beans, etc.
Preheat oven to 250° F and mix together everything except the milk, food coloring and items. Mix until stiff. If not stiff enough, add flour, if too stiff add water. Let your child create her masterpiece, adding the dry tactile items however she wants, manipulating the dough however she wishes: shapes, bowls, plates, cups, etc.
With a paintbrush, brush a little bit of condensed milk over the project for a gloss effect, or to add a color gloss, mix together both condensed milk and food coloring and brush over. Bake for up to an hour, depending on thickness.
*Science Talk!* Ask your child how the playdough transformed after it was baked, and its new characteristics. Why? How?
Making Clay
Craft Clay:
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups water
Combine cornstarch and baking soda in a medium to large pan. Gradually add water and stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until consistency is doughlike.
*Science Talk!* Encourage your child to observe the changes. Ask questions like: Why do you think it's changing? (heat) What do you think will happen when it cools completely? (hardens)
After cooled, knead on counter or cutting board and let your child mold his clay to create his work of art. Provide cookie cutters if desired.
When the dough is dried, your child can then paint it however he or she wishes. You can store any remaining dough in a plastic bag for later use.
Not only does playdough and clay give you and your child limitless creativity with art, and boundless ways to express yourselves, but the finished product makes great gift ideas for grandparents, friends, and other family members alike! Especially during the holidays!
 |
