Crafts & DIY
Woman shares how to make clay at home using just baking soda, cornstarch, and water
What an easy and fun craft to try.
Michael Dabu
07.08.24

Discovering the simplicity and versatility of baking soda clay is a delightful journey into the world of DIY crafting.

This easy-to-make clay, created from common household ingredients, is a perfect material for creative projects for enthusiasts of all ages.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just looking for a fun activity to do with kids, baking soda clay offers endless possibilities.

From jewelry to home decor, this clay can be molded into any shape your imagination can conjure.

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To get started with baking soda clay, you’ll need a few basic materials: cornstarch, baking soda, a measuring cup, a fork, and a saucepan.

The ingredients list is refreshingly simple: 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.

These items are likely already in your pantry, making this project both accessible and budget-friendly.

With just these few ingredients, you’re ready to dive into the crafting process.

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Begin by measuring out your ingredients.

Pour 1/4 cup of water into a measuring cup, followed by 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.

Stir the mixture thoroughly with a fork until everything is well combined.

This step ensures that the baking soda and cornstarch are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the clay’s consistency.

Proper mixing is key to achieving a smooth texture.

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Next, transfer the mixture to a saucepan.

Heat it on a low setting (around 2), and keep stirring with your fork.

As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken.

This process happens fairly quickly, so it’s important to stir constantly to prevent sticking and to ensure a smooth consistency.

After a few minutes, you’ll notice the mixture starting to pull away from the sides of the saucepan.

This indicates that your clay is ready.

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Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the clay cool.

Once it’s cool enough to handle, you can start molding it into your desired shapes.

If you want to add some color to your clay, mix in a few drops of food coloring before shaping.

This is a fun step, especially for kids, as they can create clay in their favorite colors.

The cooling period is essential for safe handling and optimal pliability.

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The crafting possibilities with baking soda clay are endless.

For jewelry lovers, this clay can be shaped into pendants, earrings, and beads.

Those who enjoy making figurines will find that baking soda clay is perfect for creating detailed miniature figures.

Home decor enthusiasts can make trinket dishes, picture frame decorations, and coasters.

During the holiday season, you can craft ornaments, cake toppers, keychains, and magnets.

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YouTube - Our Upcycled Life

One of the greatest benefits of baking soda clay is its low cost.

Made from inexpensive, readily available ingredients, it’s a great option for those on a budget.

It’s also non-toxic, making it safe for children and an excellent material for family projects.

Plus, it air dries, so there’s no need for an oven or kiln.

Just let your creations sit out, and they’ll harden naturally within a day.

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Baking soda clay is lightweight and paintable, which adds to its versatility.

Once dry, the clay is light and easy to handle.

You can paint or dye it to customize your projects even further.

For intricate designs, baking soda clay retains detail well, making it ideal for fine crafting.

Using DIY silicone molds, you can create even more detailed and customized shapes.

This adds another layer of creativity to your projects.

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After your clay projects have dried, usually within 24 hours, you can add the final touches.

Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges, and consider stringing ornaments with twine or painting them to add a personal touch.

This final step is where your creativity can really shine, turning simple clay into unique, personalized creations that you can treasure or give as thoughtful gifts.

The finishing touches bring your creations to life, making them special and memorable.

Check out the full instructions for this fun craft in the video below!

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