Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine table salt
- 3/4 cup warm water, plus up to 2 tablespoons more if needed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large mixing bowl, 2-quart size or larger
- 1 sturdy spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 measuring cup and measuring spoons
- 1 rolling pin, approximately 12 inches long
- 1 sheet parchment paper, approximately 12 by 16 inches
- 1 piece of cardboard or a rimmed baking sheet, approximately 12 by 16 inches
- 2 to 4 cookie cutters, 2 to 4 inches wide (optional)
- 1 drinking straw, standard size
- 1 small bowl of flour, about 1/4 cup (for dusting)
- 1 acrylic or craft paint set, 2 to 4 colors, 2 fluid ounces per color (optional)
- 1 small paintbrush, approximately 1/4 inch wide (optional)
- 1 piece of cotton twine, 12 inches long per ornament (optional)
- 1 clean kitchen towel, approximately 16 by 24 inches
- 1 table covering, approximately 24 by 36 inches
- 1 pair of disposable gloves (optional)
Instructions
- Cover your table with parchment, wax paper, or a washable cloth to prevent floury fingerprints.
- Measure 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of fine table salt into the large mixing bowl. Stir them together for about 30 seconds.
- Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into a measuring cup with 3/4 cup of warm water. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients in two or three additions.
- Stir with the spoon or spatula until the mixture forms shaggy clumps.
- Turn the dough onto the lightly floured work surface. Knead it with the heel of your hand for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Check the texture with your fingertips. The clay should feel like firm play dough.
- Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with the clean kitchen towel for 5 minutes.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on parchment or a lightly floured surface.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters or trace a simple shape and cut around it with a table knife.
- Make a hanging hole with the drinking straw if you want an ornament.
- Move each shape to the cardboard drying board or rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Let the shapes dry at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours, turning them carefully after the first 12 hours.
- When the pieces feel firm, paint them with thin coats of acrylic or craft paint if desired.
- Allow painted pieces to dry for another 2 to 4 hours before handling them often.
- Thread cotton twine through each hole and trim the ends.
Notes
Keep the raw dough away from pets and remind children that it is for making, not eating. Air dry salt clay does not tolerate water well. Dust the finished pieces with a dry, soft cloth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
