How to Make Play Clay with Simple Kitchen Items

Times are tough and financial troubles have almost everyone watching their pocketbook more closely than before. Many people are looking for ways to cut their expenses; one way for parents to do this is to make some of the items that they would normally buy for their children.

This project involves using common items you can find in your kitchen to make play clay for a child. Unlike many home recipes I feel this one comes close to emulating the play dough you would normally purchase at a store. This recipe calls for less salt than other recipes for play clay thus the finished product does not feel gritty like other home made play clay.

To begin, gather the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of Cream of Tartar, one cup of salt and 4 cups of flour. Make sure that the flour is just the regular kind and not self rising, the additional ingredients in self-rising flour do not work well with this recipe.

Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan; stir frequently taking care to make sure ingredients are well combined. Continue stirring while adding 4 cups of cold water. When you have finished adding the water stir carefully for another minute or so until ingredients are well combined; the mixture will begin to thicken.

Begin cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring carefully as the mixture thickens. Stir frequently and be sure that the heat is not too high as the mixture will scorch easily. Also if the heat is too high the mixture will become very dry and sticky. When using the proper heat as you stir the mix will begin to form a ball; the play clay is ready when the ball is no longer sticky.

If you would like colored play clay, you can mix food coloring in with the ball at this time. Make sure to thoroughly work it into the clay. Use food coloring sparingly, too much may cause it to get on kids hands later when they play with the clay. Too much can also affect the consistency of the finished clay. Enough food coloring to dye the clay to the shade you desire without leaving it wet is the optimal amount.

The clay will be ready for use as soon as it cools. I store it in a sealed container or baggie in the refrigerator because I've found that it dries out more quickly than store bought brands.