How to Make Clay for Kids

Last Updated: August 8, 2019

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)

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
2
Mix the dry ingredients. Stir together the salt, flour, and cream of tartar in a large bowl until they're well mixed.

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3
Add the oil and food coloring, if using. 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.
5
Let the clay rest for a few minutes. This will allow the flour to absorb some of the water and let the clay set up.
6
Knead the flour until smooth. Remove the clay from the bowl and form it into a ball. Knead it for a few minutes until the clay is smooth.
7
Store in an airtight container. 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]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Making Cooked Clay with Flour and Water

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
2
Combine water, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring, if using. Place them in a large saucepan and stir till well combined.
3
Cook the mixture. Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is hot. Then, stir in the vegetable oil.
4
Gradually add the flour. 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.
5
Keep stirring till clay forms. The dough will start pulling away from the side of the pan. Turn off the heat and scoop the clay onto a dry surface.
6
Let the clay cool. Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth.^{[2]
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7
Store in an airtight container.Cooked clay can keep for several months, if well sealed.^{[3]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Making Clay with Cornstarch and Baking Soda

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
2
Combine the cornstarch and baking soda. Stir them together in a saucepan.
3
Add the water, vegetable, and food coloring, if using. 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.
5
Scoop the clay onto a plate to cool. Once the clay has clumped together in the saucepan, remove it from heat and transfer it to a plate.
6
Let the clay cool. Once the clay is cool enough to handle, knead the clay until it's smooth.^{[4]
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7
Store in an airtight container.Cooked clay can keep for several months, if well sealed.^{[5]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Making Clay with White Bread and Glue

1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 2 slices white bread
- 4 tablespoons white glue
- Paint for coloring, optional.
2
Remove the crusts. Cut or tear off the crusts from the bread and throw the crusts away.
3
Tear the bread into small pieces. Smaller pieces of bread will make kneading the clay easier. Place your bread pieces in a small bowl.
4
Add the glue. Mix the bread and glue together thoroughly with a large spoon.
5
Add food coloring, optional. Add a couple of drops and stir well. Always add small amounts until you get the desired color.
6
Put a glove on one hand. The glove will keep your hand clean and dry.
7
Transfer clay to a bowl. 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.
8
Remove the glove. Knead the clay ball with both hands. When it forms a ball, it's ready for using in your project.
9
Store in an airtight container. 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

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
2
Combine flour, salt, and Kool-Aid powder. 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.
4
Stir the water mixture into the dry mixture. Mix the dry and wet ingredients till completely combined and smooth.
5
Let the clay cool. When the clay has cooled to the touch, remove it from the bowl and knead until it's totally smooth.
6
Store in an airtight container. 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

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.
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.
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.