Play Clay-- Non-toxic clay for the kids (and Mom)

My grandchildren are into the colorful but foul-smelling Play-Dough products. I can remember my own kids getting the stuff into the carpets, and how I worried over the harsh chemicals. At one point, I had a salt recipe for making a homemade dough. This is the closest I've found. Nice part is, this one dries hard as a rock. Thank you, Arm and Hammer!


Play Clay
Welcome to the Amazing World of Play Clay™, the homemade modeling clay that becomes permanent after drying. Three simple ingredients you’ll find in your kitchen combine for virtually unlimited creative possibilities for kids of any age. Great for rainy days, birthday parties and class activities. Since it’s made of foodstuffs, it’s safe, non-toxic and economical! And don’t forget the importance of adult supervision, especially with young children.

What can you do with Play Clay?

Roll it, cut it, shape it, mold it, squeeze it! Use Play Clay to make decorations and ornaments, jewelry and gifts, magnets and boxes! And more! To get more great ideas, print out our Amazing World of Play Clay brochure.

Play Clay Recipe (Adult supervision required!)

2 cups ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda
1 cup corn starch
1-1/4 cups cold water (add food coloring to color clay)

STIR together ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda and Corn Starch in saucepan. Add water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches consistency of moist mashed potatoes (approximately 10-15 minutes). If clay is cooked too long, finished crafts may crack. REMOVE mixture to plate and cover with a damp cloth. When Play Clay is cool enough to handle, pat until smooth. Now you’re ready to make fun shapes!

DRYING:

Air: Place finished objects on wire rack. Dry overnight (8 hours).

Oven: Pre-heat oven to lowest setting. Turn oven off , then place finished objects on a cookie sheet in oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Microwave: Place finished object on paper towel. Bake at medium power for 30 seconds; turn crafts over and bake for 30 seconds more. Repeat until Play Clay is completely dry. Let cool before handling.

DECORATING: Colored Clay -- When mixing Play Clay recipe, substitute food color for some of the water to create fun, festive colors. Paint -- Paint dry pieces with water color, poster or acrylic paints. Apply glitter to wet paint. Use felt-tip pens or waterproof marker for drawing and glue to apply details.

Decorative Elements -- Many objects found around the house and yard will help create unique Play Clay crafts. Use buttons or coins to imprint a pattern on a craft. Or accent a design with beads, macaroni, leaves, shells or bark. Either place the decorations on Play Clay while it’s soft or apply with glue to dried craft.

FINISHING: Protect finished Play Clay objects with clear acrylic spray paint or clear nail polish.

STORING: Store any unused Play Clay for up to one week. Simply place in a tightly sealed plastic bag or container and refrigerate. Do not freeze. Bring to room temperature before using.

Lena