Shaping, molding, rolling and creating with clay appeals to kids of all ages. Whip up a few batches for creative fun using these simple homemade play clay recipes and a few simple household ingredients. Even very small children will delight in the squishy pleasure of play clay!

This quick basic recipe is very easy to make and to use. It is soft and pliable for little hands to work with ease. Color, scent, and even glitter can be added to the recipe to make more interesting clay creations.

BASIC PLAY CLAY RECIPE

1 cup flour

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup water

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

Heat, stirring constantly, until ball forms. Knead. Store in airtight container or plastic bag. Makes about 4 portions.

Add-Ins for Color

Food coloring

Kool-Aid

Fruit-flavored Gelatin

Add-Ins for Scent

Peppermint oil

Lemon oil

Vanilla extract

Gingerbread: Ground Cinnamon & Ginger

Add-in for Sparkle

Glitter

Gluten-Free Play Clay

For children who can't tolerate gluten or food coloring, substitute rice flour for white flour and natural beet (red), spinach (green) or carrot (orange) juice for color.

Pumpkin Pie Play Clay

Large batch is perfect for your Halloween party!

5 1/2 Cups Flour

2 Cups Salt

8 teaspoons Cream of Tartar

3 1/2 Cup Oil

1 1/2 ounces Pumpkin Pie Spice

Orange Food Coloring (2 parts yellow, 1 part red)

4 Cups Water

Mix all of the ingredients together. Cook and stir over medium heat until dough forms. Knead dough until smooth.

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EDIBLE CLAY RECIPES

These yummy edible clay recipes can be enjoyed as snack food after the creating is done!

Peanut Butter Play Clay

Peanut butter

Honey

Dry powdered milk

raisins, peanuts, chocolate chips, coconut, sprinkles, pretzels (for decoration)

Mix equal parts peanut butter and dry milk. Slowly add honey to desired consistency. If too sticky, add more dry milk. If too dry, add more honey. Form clay into shapes or roll into balls to be served as cookies.

Easy Chocolate Play Clay

One 16 oz. Container read-to-spread chocolate frosting

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

Combine all ingredients and you are ready to play!

Chocolate Modeling Clay

The secret of pastry chefs for making tasty cake decorations!

10 oz. chocolate chips (or colored candy disks to create different colors)

1/3 cup light corn syrup

Heat chocolate carefully until melted, stir in corn syrup and blend. Pour onto a waxed paper sheet and spread to approx. ½ thick. Cover loosely and let stiffen for a couple of hours or overnight. Chocolate will become very pliable.

Use Your Play Clay Recipes to Make Party Favors -

Basic play clay makes a great party favor too! Put a portion of clay in a plastic sealable bag along with a label with the party guest's name, decorated with markers or stickers. Add a colorful cookie cutter or cut a 1/2 inch dowel into 4 inch lengths to serve as a little dough roller.

Copyright 2005 Kids Party Paradise. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Patricia B. Jensen is a mother of three and kids party enthusiast. She is the webmaster and owner of Kids-Party-Paradise.com - a complete resource for kids party ideas including invitations, cakes, decorations, games, costumes, favors, and food.

For all the latest party news, read her Kids Party Blog.