HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE POLYMER CLAY

materials 3/4 cup white glue

1 cup cornstarch

2 tablespoons mineral oil (I used baby oil but reportedly even vaseline will work)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Non-stick pot

Wooden spoon

Method 1 of 2: Mixing the Ingredients

1Pour ¾ cup of glue and 1 cup cornstarch into the non-stick pot. The pot should be either sitting on the counter during this step or if it is perched on the stove, make sure the flame is not on and/or completely off.Stir well until fully combined.

2Add 2 tablespoons of mineral oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the glue and cornstarch mixture. Stir well until completely integrated.

Method 2 of 2: Creating the Clay

1Transfer the pot to the stove. Simmer over low heat/flame. As you heat up the stove, stir constantly to keep the liquid ingredients moving. Don't let the mixture sit still, as this will compromise the integrity of the clay’s texture.

2Continue stirring the mixture until it resembles mashed potatoes. Once it turns to the mashed potato consistency, it’s time to remove from the heat/flame and place onto a cool/flat surface.Consider placing a hot pad or towel on the counter to protect your countertops.

3Add a small squirt of mineral oil to the mushy clay. The oil will coat and grease your hands as you knead it into a clay dough.

4Transfer the clay to the countertop to work and knead. The mixture will most likely be quite warm and even hot at this point so “glove up” with either rubber or work gloves to protect your hands.

5Knead the dough until it's smooth. The consistency should appear like well-worked pizza dough. Roll into a ball when finished.

6Store the finished clay in a re-sealable freezer bag that can be kept in the refrigerator. To keep clay fresh and avoid having it harden, remove as much air as possible before sealing bag and storing it.If the clay is still warm, place in the bag but leave a small amount of the bag open. Once it has cooled completely, then you can seal and store it.

7Finished.

ColorHomemade polymer clay is white unless you add color. To add color to your clay, you can add tempura powder to the mixture while you are cooking it. For light or pastel colors, just add a small amount of tempura powder. For bright, bold colors, add more. You can always add more powder as you stir, so start with a small amount of powder and add more as needed.

TipsMake this clay ahead of time to keep on hand for children’s projects. The non-toxic, easy-to-work-with clay is ideal for little hands.Wait at least three days for the clay to dry before you paint it.