How to Make Clay -
Homemade Clay Recipes

Want to know how to make clay or play dough?

Homemade clay recipes are perfect for modeling clay projects or other clay crafts. And making clay and play dough is easy and fun!

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There are lots of different recipes you can try. Do you want something quick and easy? Or would you prefer to bake your finished model for a more permanent effect?

I have picked 5 recipes to suit your different requirements - and added some reader recommended recipes too.

Be sure to read my tips on how to make clay too and you will be making great playdough in no time at all!

Here are my top 5 clay recipes for you to try. These are perfect for your homeschooling crafts. Click on a link below, or scroll down for recipes.

Easy Clay Projects For Kids

If you are new to making clay, then do check out my instructions on How to Make Playdough first. It could save you a lot of mistakes!

Would you like a printable version? Grab my recipes and making tips as printable clay recipes!

Were you wanting to make real clay from mud?
Try these instructions for using natural clay

More recipes?

If you are new to making playdough, then there is a little more to it than just throwing all the ingredients into a bowl and mixing!

Here are some tips on how to make clay that will help you get the best results.

1. We all have slightly different ways of measuring things, different flours absorb at different rates, and even things like humidity can effect your recipe. So use the ingredients as a place to start rather than expecting things to be exact. Measure out your ingredients carefully - then slowly add the liquid to the dry ingredients. Keep mixing and then adding a little more liquid until you get a nice firm clay. If the results are too sticky, add more flour. To flakey and dry? Add a little more water.
2. If you want colored clay you can add food coloring or tempera paint. If you are happy for all the dough to be the same color then just add the coloring to the water before you mix the ingredients. If you would like different colored batches then make up the dough first, divide into portions and knead in the colors separately. This will give you more of a marbled effect effect at first, but the color will spread as you keep kneading it in.
3. Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool place. It should keep for a couple of months but homemade clay doesn't have the preservatives of shop bought stuff. If mold develops - it's time for a new batch!
4. Feel free to experiment and develop your own recipes. Try different oil or flour. The cream of tartar in the recipes is optional, but it does help with the elasticity. You can find in the the store with the baking ingredients (usually with the baking powder and bicarb).

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Baking Clay

More Homeschool Crafts

4 cups plain/all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 teaspoon powdered alum (optional)
1.5 cups water

Mix ingredients in a bowl.

This clay bakes best if the ornaments are not too thick - about 1/2 inch is best.

Bake your ornaments on an ungreased baking tray for 30 mins, then turn and bake them for another 90 minutes until they are hard and dry. When they are cool you can smooth them with fine sandpaper before decorating and varnishing.

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Playdough Recipes

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Kool Aid Playdough

Use your clay for an animation.

2 ½ cups of plain/all-purpose flour
½ cup salt
1 Tbsp. cream of tartar
2 pkgs of unsweetened Kool-Aid

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Homemade Playdough

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Read what other visitors have said.

Click below to see other visitors homemade clay recipes.

Wondering about firing clay?
Here is my advice on how to fire pottery without a kiln.

Do you Homeschool?
Get creative. Ditch the curriculum for a time and try some new ideas. This website is all about great projects and creative activities you can use in your homeschool. Click the button below now to get inspired!