Buzz
Making your own clay is a hands-on craft that lets you create personalized gifts, souvenirs, and school projects. The process requires a bit of effort and makes use of readily available materials from around the house. To achieve softer and longer-lasting clay, mix oil and water with flour, salt, and cream of tartar. For a simpler version, just combine flour, salt, and water to make a basic clay that dries quickly. If you’re aiming for a more professional-grade clay, try mixing cornstarch, salt, and water. For clay suitable for pottery, look for clay with a high content of silt, found near water sources or in wild terrain.
Ingredients
Flour, salt, and cream of tartar clay mixture
- 2 cups (470ml) of water
- 2 cups (250gr) of all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (230gr) of salt
- 4 teaspoons (15gr) of cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Non-stick pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ziplock bag
Flour and Salt Clay
- 4 cups (480gr) of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups (420gr) of salt
- 1.5 cups (350ml) of water
Cornstarch, Salt, and Water Clay
- 2 cups (550gr) of salt
- 2/3 cup (160ml) of water
- 1 cup (120gr) of cornstarch
- 0.5 cup (120ml) of cold water
- Food coloring (optional)
Create Pottery Clay
- Clay-rich soil
- Water
Steps
Using flour, salt, and cream of tartar
Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot. Measure 2 cups (250gr) of all-purpose flour and ¾ cup (230gr) of salt, then add them to a large non-stick pot. Next, measure about 4 teaspoons (15gr) of cream of tartar and add it to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients well.
Add 2 cups (470ml) of water and 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil. Measure 2 cups (470ml) of room temperature water and pour it into the pot, then add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil. Stir the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
- Mix until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated with the wet ingredients.
Simmer the mixture over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon as it heats up. Place the pot on the stove and set the heat to medium. Continuously stir the mixture with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Make sure the clay does not stick to the sides of the pot to prevent burning. Keep stirring to ensure the clay mixture heats evenly.
Stop stirring and turn off the heat when the clay forms a thick mass. Once the ingredients are well mixed, you will notice a sticky mass forming on the spoon. When the clay has thickened, turn off the stove and move the pot to a cool burner.
- Be cautious as both the pot and clay will be very hot. Avoid burns!
Place the clay on parchment paper for 1-2 minutes to cool it down. Use a wooden spoon to remove the clay from the pot. Set it on parchment paper for about 2 minutes to allow the clay to cool. Then, use your finger to check if the clay has cooled enough to handle. Only handle the clay when it reaches room temperature.
- The clay will be very hot right after being removed from the pot. Don’t touch it to avoid burning your hands.
Knead the clay at room temperature until it becomes soft and smooth. Press and fold the clay with your hands to push out any air bubbles, altering the texture and eliminating clumps. Continue kneading until the clay feels soft and pliable.
- You can also throw the clay down onto a countertop to help remove any remaining air bubbles. This method also helps the clay retain moisture longer.
Color the clay by adding 5-6 drops of food coloring, if desired. Place the clay in a ziplock bag, then add 5-6 drops of food coloring. Seal the bag and knead the clay between your hands until the color is evenly distributed.
- If you want the clay to have a pleasant scent, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract.
Store the clay in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When not in use, keep the clay in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If stored properly, the clay can last for several months.
- You can also store the clay in a sealed food container.
Air-dry the clay if you plan to make sculptures or souvenirs. If you want to use the clay for a small sculpture, souvenir, or model, allow it to air-dry for about 2 days. Avoid touching the clay while drying and check it after 2 days. If the clay is still slightly damp, extend the drying time.
Mixing flour and salt
Combine 4 cups (480gr) of flour with 1.5 cups (420gr) of salt in a large bowl. Add both dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl, then use a large plastic or wooden spoon to mix them thoroughly.
Ensure the flour and salt are well mixed before adding water as it becomes difficult to mix the ingredients once the dough starts to form.
Slowly add 1.5 cups (350ml) of water while stirring the mixture. Gradually add small amounts of water to the bowl and mix after each addition. Try to mix thoroughly before adding more water. Once all the water is added, the clay will begin to form into a thick mass.
- The mixture will become harder to stir as more water is added.
Knead until the clay becomes smooth and consistent. Remove the clay from the bowl and place it on a flat surface like the kitchen counter, then use your hands to press and stretch the clay until it reaches a smooth, even texture.
- You can also throw the clay onto the countertop to help release any remaining air bubbles. This will also help preserve the clay for a longer time.
Shape the clay however you like. Now that the clay is ready, you can mold it into any shape, create decorations, or simply play with it. Use it just like you would any store-bought clay.
- This clay is perfect for making souvenirs. For instance, you can press a child’s hand or foot into the clay to create a clear imprint, then wait for it to harden to make a thoughtful gift.
Tip: Use a cookie cutter or a cup to shape the clay if you prefer. First, roll out the clay with a rolling pin. Then, cut out shapes using a cookie cutter or a cup to create decorative circles. If you plan to hang the clay shapes for decoration, use a straw or toothpick to make a hole near the top edge of each shape.
Dry the clay for about two days to preserve the finished product. If you want to create models or souvenirs, it's essential to dry the clay. This type of clay can spoil quickly, so the best solution is to avoid handling it for at least two days to allow it to dry completely.
Alternative method: If you're looking to shorten the drying time, bake the clay at 100°C for about 3 hours. If the clay is still soft after 3 hours, place it back in the oven and continue baking for another 2 hours.
Store clay in an airtight container when not in use. You can keep the clay for a few weeks by placing it in an airtight container. Always remember to store the clay in an airtight container when not in use, as it will dry out when exposed to air.
- For example, you can use a zippered plastic bag or a tightly sealed box. To extend its shelf life, it's advisable to store the clay in the fridge.
Mix cornstarch, salt, and water
Boil ⅔ cup (160ml) of water and 2 cups (550gr) of salt for about 4 minutes. Pour the water into a small pot and stir in the salt to create a lumpy mixture. Place the pot on the stove and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring the mixture while cooking to prevent burning.
- Use pot holders or a towel when handling the pot to avoid burns.
Alternative method: If you'd like to heat the mixture in the microwave, you can warm it in 30-second intervals until it feels hot to the touch. However, do not heat the mixture in the microwave for longer than 2 minutes.
Place the pot on a cool surface, then add 1 cup (120gr) of cornstarch and 0.5 cup (120ml) of cold water. Remove the pot from the stove, then add the cornstarch and cold water. Use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir the mixture evenly.
- It may be difficult to stir as the mixture starts to thicken.
Knead the mixture until smooth. Place the clay on a flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, and use your hands to press and stretch it until the clay becomes a smooth, pliable mass. The clay should feel soft and flexible at this point.
While kneading the clay, it's best to toss the clay onto the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Add a few drops of food coloring if you'd like the clay to have color. Drop several drops of food coloring into the clay, then knead it until the color is evenly distributed. Keep adding food coloring until the clay reaches the shade you desire.
- If you prefer, you can also add glitter for a sparkling effect.
Heat the mixture until it reaches the desired thickness, if needed. Place the clay in a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir the clay as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pot or burning. Remove the pot from the stove once the clay reaches your preferred consistency.
- If you're satisfied with the clay as it is, you can skip this step.
Allow the clay to cool to room temperature before using it. Avoid touching the clay while it's still hot, as it can cause burns. Instead, place the clay on a baking tray or countertop to let it cool down. The clay is ready for use once it is only slightly warm.
Air-dry the clay for approximately 2 days if you want to preserve your creation. You can mold the clay or create various shapes. If you're making a model or keepsake, you need to let it air-dry to preserve it. For this, place the clay outdoors to dry.
- Ensure you avoid touching the clay for at least 2 days to prevent damaging the finished product.
Store the clay in an airtight container when not in use. Your clay will dry out if exposed to air, so it is essential to store it properly after use. You can keep the clay fresh for up to 2 weeks if you store it in a sealed container.
- A zip-lock plastic bag or a container with a secure lid are ideal for storing the clay.
Make pottery clay
Look for clay-rich soil. You can find this in areas near water sources where sand has washed away the surrounding clay, or dig until you uncover a layer of white, gray, or red clay. Use your hands or a bucket to dig the clay and place it into a large container.
- There might still be some debris in the clay, but don't worry, you will clean it later.
Another method: If you live in an area with dry clay, simply scoop up the clay and add it to water. If the clay retains its shape, it is suitable for pottery!
Remove small sticks and debris from the clay. Use your hands to sift through the clay and remove stones, twigs, leaves, and other debris. Toss the debris aside as you go, ensuring the clay is as clean as possible.
- If you miss a few pieces, it’s not a problem, as you will clean the clay with water later.
Add enough water to fully submerge the clay. Use a hose or a bucket to pour water over the clay. Then, use your hands or a shovel to stir the water into the clay. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes a slurry.
- The water will start to dissolve the clay, helping you remove any remaining debris.
Wait for about 2 minutes to allow the debris to settle. Set a timer and wait for approximately 2 minutes for the debris to sink to the bottom of the container. The clay will remain floating in the water.
- If you notice a thin layer of water on top of the clay slurry, it's perfectly fine.
Pour the clay slurry into a new bucket, but keep the debris in the original bucket. Carefully tilt the first bucket to transfer the slurry into a clean bucket. Pour slowly to prevent debris from spilling over. Stop when you notice debris nearing the edge of the first bucket.
- Using a sieve will help you filter out any remaining debris more easily.
- It's fine if there’s still some clay left in the original bucket. Similarly, having some debris left after a single wash is perfectly normal.
Dispose of the debris and rinse the bucket. You can pour the remaining debris from the first bucket onto the ground or into the trash. Next, use a hose or faucet to rinse the bucket clean.
- There's no need to use soap to clean the bucket at this stage. You'll be using it for washing the clay right after this.
Repeat the process until there are no more debris in the slurry. Continue adding water and allow the debris to settle, ensuring that the clay is free of anything else. You can check the slurry with your hands to see if any debris remains.
- You may need to wash the clay at least 2-3 times to ensure it's fully clean.
Allow the clay water to dry overnight. At this stage, the clay is still in liquid form. Leave the bucket uncovered in a safe area and let it sit for at least 8 hours to allow the water to evaporate.
- Your clay may still be quite watery after an overnight wait.
Pour off the excess water from the clay. Once the clay has dried for at least 8 hours, check for any remaining thin layer of water on top. If water is still present, carefully tilt the bucket to discard it. What’s left should be a thick clay mixture.
- The clay should be drier before it's ready for use.
Place the raw clay mixture on fabric to dry for about 2 days. Lay out a large piece of fabric, such as an old t-shirt, and carefully pour the clay mixture onto it, being mindful not to waste any clay. Quickly gather the edges of the fabric to keep the clay inside. Hang the fabric outdoors to allow the water to drain.
- Some of the clay may still be quite loose, so handle it with care when pouring.
Allow the clay to dry until it reaches the desired consistency. Unwrap the fabric and spread the clay out on the ground. Use your hands to evenly spread the clay over the fabric to ensure it dries evenly. Check the clay every 6-8 hours during the day to see if it has reached the proper consistency for pottery. It will likely take about a day for the clay to achieve the right texture.
- You can begin using the clay for pottery as soon as you are happy with its texture.
What you will need
Combine flour and salt
- Large bowl
- Plastic or wooden spoon
- Airtight container
Trộn bột ngô, muối và nước
- Nồi
- Thìa nhựa hoặc gỗ
- Khay nướng
- Đồ đựng kín
Dùng bột mì, muối và bột cream of tartar
- Nồi
- Bát to
- Thìa nhựa hoặc gỗ
- Khay nướng
- Đồ đựng kín
Tạo ra đất sét làm gốm
- High clay content soil
- 2 buckets
- Water pipe or faucet
- Fabric, such as an old t-shirt
- Timer
- Spatula (optional)
Tips
- If the clay is too dry, add a bit of water or vegetable oil to increase moisture.
- Stir the mixture every 15-30 seconds to prevent the clay from burning.
- You can add food coloring or glitter to make the clay look more attractive.
- Store the clay in an airtight container when not in use to keep it fresh longer. However, keep in mind that the clay will eventually spoil over time.
- Once the clay has dried, you can decorate it with paint or glitter glue.
Warnings
- Never leave the stove or oven unattended while handling the clay.
- This type of clay will mold over time.
