• It is no secret that we are a crafty sort of family. I like to do crafts with my kids. Plus I am super frugal (read that cheap) so I tend to make as much as I can at home from scratch. A few months back my kids got a small container of Crayola Model Magic clay. This stuff is pretty awesome, it has a very airy, fluffy, texture. It is quite crazy. My kids loved the ability to model things, let the clay dry and harden, then paint their creations.

    I liked that too, but I sure as heck did not like the price tag that came along with it.

    Luckily for my kids, I know how to make a clay that air dries, and takes paint.

    It is extremely simple, and it costs a fraction of the cost of the store bought stuff. You might actually already have the ingredients at home. If you don’t they are easily found at any grocery store.

    My modeling clay doesn’t have that amazing texture but it sure as heck gets the job done.

    The recipe is as follows.
    2 cups baking soda
    1 cup cornstarch
    1 1/2 cups cold water

    In a large pot, whisk all ingredients together.

    Cook over medium heat whisking constantly. The mixture will begin to boil. At this point your can stop whisking and start stirring. As the mixture cooks it will begin to thicken, and eventually form into dough. Keep stirring! When you finally have a play dough consistency, dump it into a bowl. Cover the bowl with a wet towel and allow the dough to completely cool. It will take some time, at least a few hours.

    Once cool knead your dough. If it is sticky, knead in some more cornstarch.

    At this point it’s time to play!

    When your kids are done sculpting let their creations dry. Depending on thickness this could take a few hours up to a few days.

    Once dry your clay will take paint easily. If you want a shiny finish try painting on some Mod Podge as a final step.

    Can anyone say homemade Christmas ornaments for the grand parents?