Clays for Kids from the Cupboard: Homemade Clay

Instructions:
Mix the applesauce and the cinnamon until it gets to be a nice clay consistency. If it is too sticky, add a bit more cinnamon or even a touch of flour.

You can make shapes and designs or even use cookie cutters. Put the shapes in a warm, dry spot to dry – this may take a few days. You now have sweet-smelling sculptures to decorate and/or paint. They make great gifts.

Kool-Aid Clay
This is great smelling clay and can be made with any unsweetened, flavored drink mix powder.

Materials Needed:
1 cup flour
�½ cup salt
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid or other drink mix powder
3 tbsp oil
1 cup boiling water

Instructions:
Mix together the flour, salt, and Kool-Aid. Add the oil and the boiling water. Stir the mixture until well blended. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead until it forms soft dough.

Peanut Butter Clay
This is a fun clay to make and eat.
Materials Needed:
1 cup smooth peanut butter
�½ cup honey
1 cup nonfat dry milk
�½ cup wheat germ (usually in the cereal aisle)

Instructions:
Mix together the peanut butter and honey first. Add half of the milk and wheat germ and mix; then continue to add a little at a time until it feels soft and playful. Use less than a little less dry milk and wheat germ if the clay seems to be getting dry.
You can add raisins, coconut, chocolate chips etc.

Goo

Materials Needed:
Wire whisk
1 cup all purpose glue
�¾ cup water
1 tablespoon tempera paint, your choice of color
Borax

Instructions:
Mix together the all purpose glue, water, and tempera paint with wire whisk. Mix separately 1/3 cup water and �½ teaspoon borax (found near cleaning products in the grocery store.) Slowly pour borax mix into glue mix. Let stand a few minutes, and then knead. Pour off any remaining liquid. Store in plastic bags. Repeat for different colors.

Homemade Play Dough

Materials Needed:
1 cup flour
�½ cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
food coloring

Instructions:
Mix the dry ingredients. Then add the remaining ingredients and stir. In a heavy skillet, cook the mixture for two or three minutes stirring frequently. Knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth. Stir up several colors and store them in recycled margarine tubs or plastic baggies.

Quicksand

Materials Needed:
1 cup cornstarch
�½ cup water

Instructions:
Mix the cornstarch and water until it forms a thick paste. Punch the surface. Your fist will barely make a dent; now slowly dip your hand into the paste. Pick it up and it will ooze through your fingers. Squeeze it, turning it over and over in your hands; watch how it goes from goopy liquid to dry powder and back to glop – when there is no pressure the mixture turns watery again.