Playing with clay is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon. Kids love the opportunity to make something with their own hands. The texture of homemade clay is appealing, cool, squishy, and slightly sticky – what could be better?

Learn how to make clay with ingredients that are in your kitchen right now. There's no need to run to the toy or craft store; you can make your own clay for pennies any time you're trying to think of some fun activities for kids.  The best part about making this clay is that kids can use it over and over again, or they can let it air dry to keep that special creation forever. Once they have finished making their clay creation and it has dried, they can decorate it with paint. If you intend to use the clay again, just be sure to store it in an airtight container. Clay is a perfect medium for your budding artist. It's easy to handle and shape, and any mistakes can be squished so your child can start over!

How to Make Clay

When you're ready to learn how to make clay, grab the following things from your cupboards:
3 ½ cups of all purpose flour
½ cup of salt
1 tablespoon of cream of tartar
2 ½ tablespoons of oil
2 cups of water
Food coloring

Step 1: Boil the water and several drops of food coloring. Remove from heat once boiling, and stir in the oil.

Step 2: Put the other ingredients in a large mixing bowl, slowly add the water and oil mixture.

Step 3: Mix together using a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Once the mixture has cooled, knead it by hand until it becomes pliable, and has the same constancy as clay you'd buy at the craft or toy store.

That's it, you're done! You have just learned how to make clay. Make a few batches of different colors to have on hand whenever the kids want to sculpt and squish the clay. You can also make a batch with no color for air drying and painting. Add a little vanilla or other extract to make scented dough.

Making Clay is a Fun Group Activity

Homemade clay is a great idea for a birthday party or playdate.  The children can help with the measuring and stirring. Then, while the clay is cooling, serve the birthday cake or a snack.

By the time they're done eating, it should be cool enough to handle. Divide it up and let them knead it, and then play with it. Give each child a Ziploc bag to take it home in, and you have a craft and a favor, all in one. Make sure to include instructions for making the clay, in case any party-goer wants to try their hand at it at home. It will cost you far less then the usual party favors for kids.

If your party is themed, have each child sculpt their clay into something related to the party theme. You can send some paints home with each party-goer if they want to further decorate their creation once it dries. For older kids, consider making challenges or games out of clay sculpting. See who can make a complete sculpture the fastest, or have the kids make something from a prompt. Kids love challenges and healthy competition with one another.

Of course, always make sure any kids working with the clay know not to eat it. This clay isn't edible! If you're thinking of using this clay craft with younger kids, make sure to monitor them while they make and play with it. Many young children will try to put anything they can into their mouths.

We hope you enjoyed this awesome craft! This is definitely a keeper. It's perfect to bust out on any rainy or snowy day, or whenever your kids aren't able to find something fun to do. Making this clay with your kids will create fun, lasting memories for all.