| You've probably used a form of one or more of these age-old homemade clays in the past. If you use one, it will save you some money...can't beat that!! Cold Porcelain Clay
1. Combine in a non-stick pot*: - 1 cup polyvinyl acetate glue such as Elmer’s Glue All
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons baby oil or pharmacy quality mineral oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (lemon or lime juice is a great emulsifier)
2. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly for approximately 10 minutes. If done, dough will come away from the sides of the pot. 3. Remove from heat and allow to cool. 4. Knead until it has a smooth, clay consistency. 5. Seal in a container or seal-top bag and store in a cool, dark place like the refrigerator. 6. Tempera paint powder may be used for coloring the dough. Most users actually paint the modeled item after it has dried.
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*Use a heat diffuser under the pot or use a double boiler. I use a smaller pot in a larger pot filled 1/3 of the way with hot water as my double-boiler. Salt Clay (Victorian Version)
1. Mix in a non-stick pan*: - 2 cups salt
- 2/3 cups water
2. Stir constantly over a low flame heat for about 4 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat.
3. Quickly mix in another container: - 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup cold water
4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the heated mixture. If combined ingredients do not make a thick paste, place pan back on low heat and stir for about a minute until dough-like. 5. Place dough on flat surface and knead dough until it is smooth and pliable. 6. Place in an air-tight container in cool dark place like the refrigerator. 7. It may take up to 2 days for a modeled object to dry at room temperature. For quicker results, preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and then turn the oven off. Place the modeled item in the oven, preferably on a wire rack, and leave inside until the oven has cooled off. I wouldn't advise putting the paper gingerbread house core in the oven though. 8. Dried items can be gently sanded with a fine grit sandpaper.
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*Use a heat diffuser under the pot or use a double boiler. I use a smaller pot in a larger pot filled 1/3 of the way with hot water as my double-boiler.
Homemade Play-Doh
1. Mix in a large bowl: - 1 cup of salt
- 1 cup of flour
2. Slowly add the following: - 1 cup of water (stop adding if consistency is good)
3. To preserve the clay add the following: - 2 tablespoons oil
- 6 teaspoons alum
4. Continue to mix, then knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic without being sticky. 5. You may color with food coloring. 6. Store in cool dark place in a sealed container. | 
