How To: Make your own clay

Put your imagination into solid form by working with clay. Now all you need is the clay. No need to buy it at the store when you can make all the clay you like at home. Clay is a fun medium for adults and kids to work in.

Making your own clay is easy, inexpensive, and fun to do.

You Will Need

* 2 c. water
* A few drops food coloring
* 3½ c. all-purpose flour
* ½ c. salt
* 1 tbsp. cream of tartar
* 2½ tbsp. oil
* A large bowl
* A wooden spoon
* A baking sheet
* An airtight container
* A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)

Step 1: Bring to boil

Bring the water to a boil and add a few drops of food coloring.

Step 2: Mix ingredients

Mix the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large bowl.
How To Make Your Own Clay: Remove potStep 3: Remove pot

Remove the pot from the heat and add the oil.

Step 4: Mix ingredients

Carefully pour the water mixture into the bowl. Use a wooden spoon to thoroughly mix it, and then let it sit until it's only slightly warm.

Add vanilla extract to give it a nice aroma.

Step 5: Knead

Lay the clay mixture on a baking sheet until it's pliable.

Step 6: Store

Have fun molding your clay. When you're done, store it in an airtight container.

Modeling clay has been used to fool fingerprint-reading security devices.