Play Clay
Materials Needed:
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon salad oil
- 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
- 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)
- 1-2 drops oil of wintergreen or cloves (optional)
Steps to Take:
- Mix all ingredients together in a heavy pan.
- Stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat. until the mixture thickens. As the mixture becomes thicker, be sure that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan, as it will burn easily.
- When the mixture has the consistency of mashed potatoes, remove from the heat.
- Allow the mixture to cool until you can knead it. Knead it until smooth.
- When stored in an air-tight container or zipper plastic bag between uses, the clay will last indefinitely. If it becomes dry or starts to get dirty-looking from too much handling, just make a new batch!
- Children can make small objects by pinching or coiling their clay. The clay may be rolled and cut with cookie cutters.
- Small figures may be air dried, but will crack easily.
- When the child has finished playing with the clay, be sure to wash his/her hands and put some lotion on them, as the salt in the clay can dry the skin.
