Air Dry Clay

In book 2 of the Redheaded Cousins stories, Daisy and Violet put together a kit to bring with them when they babysit. One of the projects they made was their own air dry clay for the kids to play with.

In this adventure, we show you how Daisy and Violet made the clay, and how you can do it yourself for fun or babysitting!

STEP ONE

These are the ingredients you need to round up:

1/2 to 1 cup white flour
3/4 cup white glue (PVA glue)
1 cup joint compound
1 1/2 cups wet toilet paper
2 Tablespoons mineral oil

And you'll need these supplies:

Measuring cups
Tablespoon
Large bowl
Sieve or colander
Paint stirring attachment or electric hand mixer

STEP TWO

Unwind some toilet paper and soak it in a bowl of warm water.

Pull out the wet paper and measure it. You'll want 1 1/2 cups of it.

When you have the right amount, put it back in the bowl and swoosh it around, and mash it up so that it falls apart.

STEP THREE

Put the wet paper fibers in a sieve or colander and press out most of the water. Be careful not to press out too much.

Having enough moisture left is important so that it will still come apart when you mix it.

Adding joint compound to the bowl with the wet paper

STEP FOUR

Put the wet paper into a bowl and add one cup of premixed drywall joint compound.

You can get drywall joint compound at most any home improvement store, Walmart, or even the dollar store.

(Stay away from DAP brand. It may be good for walls, but makes a mess of this clay.)

If you sand your project when it's dry, wear a mask so you don't breath any mineral powder from the compound.

Pouring white glue into the bowl with the paper and joint compound

STEP FIVE

Add the white glue to the bowl with the wet paper and joint compound.

Any brand of white glue will work. We got ours from the dollar store--one bottle was just enough for one batch of clay.

Clear glue from Elmers also works.