How to make modelling clay

Modelling clay is the perfect material for playing, learning, shaping, developing your fine motor skills and letting your imagination run wild. While there are many different types of modelling clay available, you can also choose to make the soft and flexible play material yourself.

There are several advantages to making it yourself. First of all, it is a very inexpensive project to make, and second of all, you can make exactly the colour combinations and shades that you and your kids love. Another significant advantage of homemade modelling clay is that you are aware of all the ingredients in the modelling clay, and you can therefore be reassured that your children are playing with health-friendly products.

What you will need

Many of the ingredients you will need for making the modelling clay, you most likely have in your kitchen already.

You will need the following:

• 5dl water
• 5dl flour
• 2dl salt
• 1 teaspoon oil
• 2 tbsp. citric acid (must be approved for food use)
• Colour paste or food colouring in different shades.

Put all the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring it to a boil (wait while using the colouring paste). You need to stir it while it heats up. Make sure the ingredients in the pan turn into a uniform mass. When the mixture is brought to a boil, remove the pan from the heat. Now leave it to cool down.

Once the mass has been brought to a boil, it will have a liquid consistency. When the mass cools down, it will then form a firmer consistency.

Add the colours you want

Once the mass has cooled down, it is time to add the colouring paste. Whether you are into the classic primary colours, or whether you want to mix and match, is entirely up to you. When mixing the mass and the colouring paste, it is a good idea to use a pair of rubber gloves. The colours are intense and they can easily stain your skin.

Put your modelling clay in an airtight container, such as a plastic bucket or a jar. Alternatively, you can choose to use regular 2L freezer bags. The most important thing is that the modelling clay is kept in some kind of airtight storage.

When you store your homemade modelling clay properly, you and your children can enjoy playing with it for several weeks.