All-Natural Non-Toxic Play Clay- Heritage Home Ec Need something new to keep the kiddos busy? Try making them some of this All-Natural Non-Toxic Play Clay. It's pliable but able to dry for permanent crafts. | Crafts | Kids | Activities | Home Economics |

Need something new to keep the kiddos busy? Try making them some of this All-Natural Non-Toxic Play Clay. It’s pliable but able to dry for permanent crafts.

Keeping Kids Occupied

Let’s face it. We live in a very busy social climate. And sometimes kids can get sensory overload from all of their tech. But we want to keep them doing something. Why not whip up a batch of this clay to craft as a family?

I remember my Grandmother making us this clay. We would fashion people or animals from the clay. Once we were happy with our creations, she’d let it sit out to dry. Most of the time we would paint our creations later, but not always.

Ornaments and More

We made ornaments and figurines and gifts for our family. I remember how much fun it was to gift something that I had made myself just for that person. It’s so much more meaningful, especially to kids, to know that they are appreciated for their talents.

Making something with this clay is so much different than most of how they occupy their time in our culture. You can’t “gift” anything tangible via the web or Xbox.

Bring out Their Inner Artist

You may have created the next Picasso and not know it.

Art is still in high demand these days, and the more we foster a love of creating in our kids the better, in my opinion. (I actually almost went to art school, but majored in Art History instead.)

Having the ability to hone their ability and refine their talents is an amazing gift that we can give our kids.

Helps Attention Span and Attention to Detail

Another little thing that helped me when I was a kid were projects like this. I was a “high-strung” kid. Based on current politically correct ideas, I technically had ADHD, but there was no way my parents would have ever medicated me. My Mom would rather spend her time with us and keep us busy herself than to have ever chemically calmed us.

We were only allowed 2 hours of TV a day, for crying out loud.

Have Fun Family Time

Make a couple of batches of this all-natural non-toxic play clay and spend the day crafting with your kids. They want your time and attention more than anything else anyhow. And trust me, I bet you have a ton of fun too.

All-Natural Non-Toxic Play Clay

Need something new to keep the kiddos busy? Try making them some of this All-Natural Non-Toxic Play Clay. It's pliable but able to dry for permanent crafts.

Keyword: clay, craft, crafting, family, home economics, homemade bread, kids, play clay

Ingredients

2 cups baking soda
1 cup cornstarch
1 ¼ cup water

Instructions

Mix ingredients into a small saucepan.
Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat as soon as the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
When cool enough to handle, knead slightly.
To color, add food coloring or tempera paint to water before adding other ingredients.
You may also leave the clay uncolored, ad pain, color with crayons, or markers when dry.
Store clay in plastic bags or an airtight container. Clay will remain pliable for several months when stored properly.
Models may be made from the clay and will dry to solid overnight.