Use this simple DIY recipe to make homemade air dry clay for your craft projects. It takes only a few minutes and use only 4 non-toxic ingredients that you must already have!
What is Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay is the type of clay that hardens and cures at room temperature. This clay is used for various decorative pieces, sculptures, and plaques. Air dry clay is made of paper, resin, and glue and has a soft and stretchy texture. When this clay is dried, the finished product becomes solid, light, and spongy. The texture is similar to a play-dough clay. It takes 1-2 days for it to dry completely in the air, depending on the thickness of the finished product. It can dissolve when it comes in contact with heat or water. Hence it is important to keep it away from the sun and other heat sources.
Uses of Air Dry Clay
Air Dry Clay is a multi-purpose clay used for coils, slabs, pinching, and welding. It is a versatile medium that you can use for making clay tiles, badges, slab pots, and fridge magnets. Additionally, many people use air dry clay for making Christmas ornaments for a personal touch. You can use it for fixing damaged items too. It can also help in filling up the cracks.
Recipe for Homemade Air Dry Clay without Cooking
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- White Craft Glue
- Vegetable Oil
- 1 Tbsp Vinegar
Tools Required:
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Saran Wrap
- Zip Lock Bag
Recipe
- Start by mixing 1 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of glue, and 1 tbsp of vinegar using a spoon or spatula.
- Add 1 tbsp of baby oil and mix it thoroughly with the above mixture. In the current state, the mixture will be in a gooey form.
- Add cornstarch to this gooey mixture and start kneading. Knead for at least 10-15 minutes for it to turn into a dough and for avoiding it to break.
- Add a little more cornstarch, if required to achieve the right consistency.
- Once you have the desired consistency, wrap this dough in a saran wrap and put it in the ziplock bag. Store it in a cool place away from the sun.
- Let it sit for a few hours before taking it out from the bag. This will ensure the clay does not break as soon as you pick it up.
- This dough, if appropriately used, can be used for months.
Care Routine
You should take the following precautions while dealing with your homemade air dry clay:
- Store the unused clay in an airtight container or a ziplock bag.
- Do not store clay that has come in contact with the water or any food.
- Always keep the finished clay product away from heat or water
- You should not mold the clay in candleholders or any other item that has use of flame.
