How to Make Clay with Flour

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Project Summary
  • Skill Level: Suitable for kids

For an enjoyable craft project for children, make clay easily and inexpensively with ingredients you probably already have at home. Flour, salt, water, and vegetable oil are all that is required to prepare this clay, which is also called salt dough. Afterward, shape the clay however you like, bake it, and add decorations. If an oven is unavailable or you prefer not to warm up your kitchen, homemade clay can be air-dried for 48 to 72 hours until complete. This clay is nontoxic, too. Although it likely won’t taste pleasant, there is no need to worry if young children sample their creations.

Use these simple steps to learn how to prepare clay:

  • Combine flour, salt, oil, and water
  • Blend in food coloring (optional)
  • Shape and bake the clay

Continue reading for exact ingredient amounts, baking and drying durations, plus creative project suggestions for using your clay.

Supplies Needed

Tools / Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spoon for stirring

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup table salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3/4 to 1 cup water
  • Food coloring (if desired)

Directions

  1. Combine the Flour and Salt

    Place the flour and salt in a spacious bowl and stir them together. Pour in the oil, then gradually add the water while mixing until the clay reaches a smooth, workable texture.

  2. Add Food Dye (Optional)

    To make the dough assorted colors, divide the clay into separate portions and place them in a bowl. Stir a few drops of food coloring into each portion using a spoon. Keep in mind that the coloring can stain your fingers as you handle the dough!

  3. Shape and Bake the Clay

    After combining everything thoroughly, shape the clay however you like, then bake it at 250 degrees Fahrenheit or let the forms air-dry. Baking and drying times vary according to the thickness of each shape.

    Helpful Tips

    • Keep clay creations from becoming overly thick, since they may crack in the oven.
    • Continue baking until the clay is firm, but remove it before it begins to scorch.
    • For a golden finish, brush the pottery with egg yolk before putting it in the oven.

Ideas for Clay Projects

  • Clay rainbow: Split the clay into seven matching portions. Color the dough in rainbow shades with food coloring. Shape each portion into a long, narrow strand, then bend them into arches and connect them to create a rainbow. Bake or air-dry the clay before applying varnish.
  • Christmas tree dough ornaments: Cut shapes like stars, trees, hearts, and snowmen from your salt play dough with cookie cutters. Sketch patterns into the dough with a craft stick or pencil point, then make a hole near the top. Bake or air-dry the clay, and decorate it with cheerful designs. Insert ribbon or yarn through the hole and place it on the Christmas tree.
  • Caterpillars: Separate the dough into 10 portions, making one slightly bigger than the rest. Choose a food-coloring shade for each portion and tint them accordingly. Shape each portion into a ball to create the body, using the largest one as the head. Cut a pipe cleaner into eight smaller sections. Insert one section into each side of the body balls, leaving out the head, and bend them a little. These will become the legs. Place two googly eyes on the front of the head. Connect the balls from end to end, then let the clay air-dry or bake it. Complete the caterpillar by varnishing it.

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