- In this activity we will make clay from salt. This clay will dry hard, and can be used to make a number of things including beads for necklaces. It will take paint well and can be sanded smooth. This activity requires heating on a stove, so it requires ADULT HELP.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Stove or hot plate 
Pan to heat on stove 2 cups salt Small mixing bowl 2/3 cup water Wooden spoon 1 cup cornstarch Damp dish cloth 1/2 cup water Plastic air-tight container for storage *NOTE: If you need more than one batch, do not double the recipe, it will not mix properly. Make separate batches.
SOME OPTIONAL MATERIALS FOR CLAY USE:
Food coloring Sandpaper or emery boards Paints or markers Paper clips Toothpicks Cookie cutters String Your imagination PROCEDURE:
Mix 2 cups salt and 2/3 cup water in a pan. Using a stove or hot plate, heat over a medium heat for 4 or 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Bring it close to a boil, but do not boil. Color can be added, using food coloring, at this step or when kneading.
Remove from heat. Quickly mix 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water together and add all at once to the heated mixture.
Stir and mix quickly. If the resulting mixture is not a thick paste, place it on the stove, on low heat, and stir for about one minute until the mixture is dough like. Turn out onto a flat surface and cover with a damp dish cloth to cool.
When cool enough to handle, knead on flat surface (like you would bread dough) until dough is a smooth and pliable mass.Place in the plastic air-tight container for storage.SUGGESTIONS FOR USE:
You can use the clay to model any object your imagination can think of. Modeled objects can be painted when dry, or you can use markers.It takes approximately 2 days for a modeled object to dry at room temperature. For quicker drying, preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and then turn the oven off. Place the model in the oven on a wire rack, and leave inside until the oven has cooled off.You can give your modeled objects a smooth finish, by gently rubbing the dry model with sandpaper or an emery board.When making beads for a necklace, use a toothpick to punch holes in the soft clay bead.You can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make shapes. You can stick paper clips into the ends of the shapes while the dough is soft, for hangers. All painted, this makes great Christmas ornaments.Back to Grade School Table of Contents
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SALT CLAY
INTRODUCTION: