Play Clay

We made some clay this morning. We really liked the way it felt! It is recipe from Argo corn starch.

* 1 cup Argo or Kingsford Corn Starch
* 1 pound (2 cups) baking soda
* 1-1/4 cups cold water
* 1 tablespoon Mazola Oil
* 1 tablespoon food color OR 1 to 2 teaspoons Rit Dye or paste food color


1. In medium saucepan stir corn starch and baking soda. Add water and oil all at once and stir until smooth.


2. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture reaches the consistency of SLIGHTLY dry mashed potatoes. (Mixture will come to a boil, then start to thicken, first in lumps and then in a thick mass; it should hold its shape). If Play Clay is overcooked, crafts may crack.

3. Turn out onto plate and cover with damp cloth; cool.

4. When cool enough to handle, turn play clay onto work surface dusted with corn starch; knead until smooth and pliable. If not using immediately, store completely cooled clay in tightly closed plastic bag or container.

5. Shape Play Clay as desired by molding into shapes, balls or ropes with hands. Or, roll flat with a rolling pin or press with hands, making pieces of moderate thickness. (Items less than 1/4-inch thick tend to be fragile; very thick pieces often dry unevenly and may crack). Press or etch designs into soft Play Clay. Plan to glue small pieces together (including heads to bodies) rather than press Play Clay shapes together.

6. Air-dry Play Clay overnight on wire racks, turning occasionally for faster and more even drying. To oven dry: Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then turn oven OFF. Place undecorated items on a wire rack on a cookie sheet. Place in oven until oven is cold. Repeat as necessary.

7. Decorate with water color, acrylic paints, markers, colored glue, glitter glue, or crayons. Let dry completely. Coat decorated items with clear acrylic to seal.

8. Store un-shaped Play Clay in an airtight container OR heavy plastic bag in a cool place up to 2 weeks. Knead stored clay until smooth before using.