Clay is a versatile and fun material that you can use to create various crafts, such as sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more. Clay is also great for kids, as it helps them develop their fine motor skills, creativity, and imagination.
However, buying clay from the store can be expensive, and sometimes you may not find the type or color of clay you want. Fortunately, you can make your own clay at home with some simple and cheap ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
In this article, we will show you how to make four different types of clay at home: flour, salt, and cream of tartar clay; flour and salt clay; cornstarch, salt, and water clay; and pottery clay. We will also give you some clay project ideas that you can try with your homemade clay.
Why Make Your Own Clay?
You may wonder why you should bother making your own clay when you can easily buy it from the store. Well, there are several reasons why making your own clay is a better option than buying it. Here are some of them:
Types of Clay You Can Make at Home
There are many types of clay you can make at home, depending on the ingredients and methods you use. Here are four of the most common and easy types of clay you can make at home:
Flour, Salt, and Cream of Tartar Clay
This type of clay is also known as salt dough, and it is one of the most popular and simple types of clay you can make at home. It is soft, smooth, and pliable, and it can be shaped into any form you want. It can also be baked in the oven or air-dried to harden, and then decorated with acrylic paint. This type of clay is ideal for making ornaments, figurines, magnets, and more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (230 g) of table salt
- 4 teaspoons (14 g) of cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of vegetable oil
- 2 cups (470 mL) of water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a large non-stick pot, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Stir well with a wooden spoon.
- Add the oil and water, and stir until all the dry ingredients are moistened. You can also add some food coloring and vanilla extract if you want to give your clay some color and scent.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture forms a thick ball that sticks to the spoon. This may take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the clay to a sheet of wax paper. Let it cool slightly before handling it.
- Knead the clay until it is smooth and elastic. You can add more flour if it is too sticky or more water if it is too dry.
- Store the clay in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to use it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Flour and Salt Clay
This type of clay is another simple and easy type of clay you can make at home. It is similar to the flour, salt, and cream of tartar clay, but it does not require cream of tartar. It is also soft, smooth, and pliable, and it can be shaped into any form you want. It can also be baked in the oven or air-dried to harden, and then decorated with acrylic paint. This type of clay is ideal for making ornaments, figurines, magnets, and more.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (480 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups (417 g) of table salt
- 1.5 cups (350 mL) of water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the water gradually and stir until a dough forms. You may not need all the water, or you may need more, depending on the humidity and the type of flour you use.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic. You can add more flour if it is too sticky or more water if it is too dry.
- Store the clay in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to use it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
This type of clay is also known as cold porcelain, and it is a smooth and translucent type of clay that you can make at home. It is similar to flour and salt clay, but it uses cornstarch instead of flour. It is also soft, smooth, and pliable, and it can be shaped into any form you want. It can also be air-dried to harden and then decorated with acrylic paint. This type of clay is ideal for making delicate and realistic flowers, jewelry, and miniatures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) of cornstarch
- 1 cup (280 g) of table salt
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) of water
Instructions
- In a small, non-stick pot, mix the cornstarch and salt. Add the water and stir until well combined. You can also add some food coloring if you want to give your clay some color.
- Place the pot on the stove over low heat, and stir constantly until the mixture thickens and forms a ball. This may take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the clay to a sheet of wax paper. Let it cool slightly before handling it.
- Knead the clay until it is smooth and elastic. You can add more cornstarch if it is too sticky or more water if it is too dry.
- Store the clay in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to use it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Pottery Clay
This type of clay is also known as earthenware clay, and it is a natural and organic type of clay that you can make at home. It is similar to the clay that is used for making pottery, ceramics, and bricks. It is also firm, coarse, and porous, and it can be shaped into any form you want. It can also be fired in a kiln or a pit to harden, and then glazed or painted. This type of clay is ideal for making pots, bowls, plates, and other functional or decorative items.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 g) of garden soil
- 2 cups (480 g) of sand
- 2 cups (470 mL) of water
Instructions
- In a large bucket, mix the soil and sand. Add the water gradually and stir until a thick and sticky mud forms. You may not need all the water, or you may need more, depending on the type and moisture of the soil and sand you use.
- Strain the mud through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any rocks, pebbles, or debris. You can also use your hands to squeeze out any excess water.
- Spread the clay on a large tray or a baking sheet and let it dry in the sun for a few hours, or until it is firm and crumbly. You can also dry it in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for an hour or two.
- Break the clay into small pieces and grind them in a blender or food processor until they are fine and powdery. You can also use a mortar and pestle or a hammer to crush the clay.
- Store the clay in an airtight container or plastic bag until you are ready to use it. You can keep it in a cool and dry place for up to a year.
Clay Project Ideas
Now that you know how to make four different types of clay at home, you may wonder what you can do with them. Here are some clay project ideas that you can try with your homemade clay:
Clay Rainbow
A clay rainbow is a colorful and easy project that can be created using any type of clay. Roll out long ropes and shape them into arcs of different sizes. Use different colors or white clay for a rainbow effect. Glue arcs together, attach to a stick or wire hanger and add cotton balls or pom-poms for clouds. Hang the rainbow on the wall, window, or ceiling.
Christmas Tree Ornaments
Create festive Christmas tree ornaments using clay. Cut shapes like stars, hearts, bells, or snowflakes using cookie cutters. Carve details or patterns on the clay using a knife or toothpick. Insert ribbon or string, and decorate with glitter, beads, or sequins. Hang it on your tree or give it as a gift to friends and family.
Caterpillars
Create cute caterpillars using clay, roll them into small balls, and stick them together for a long body. Use different colors for stripes or paint white. Add eyes, antennae, legs, and leaves. Display them on a desk, shelf, or garden, and watch them crawl and munch. Display them on a desk, shelf, or garden to enjoy their cuteness.
Conclusion
Making homemade clay at home is a simple and cost-effective activity that allows you to create four types of clay: flour, salt, cream of tartar clay, flour and salt clay, cornstarch, salt, and water clay, and pottery clay. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you can customize your clay projects. You can also try clay rainbows, Christmas tree ornaments, and caterpillars, or create your own. This creative activity saves money and provides fun.
