Keeping the kids from getting bored over the summer can get a little expensive. However there are number of activities that you can do that will keep them busy and not empty your wallet. Arts and crafts is a really good option, it doesn’t have to cost you a dime and it will keep the kids busy for a while.
Cornstarch salt clay is one mine and my kids favorite activities. I like it because it’s super simple, it keeps the kids busy for a while and I usually have everything that I need in my pantry. The kids like it because they get to squish something between their fingers and create all kinds of fun things. What is it about squishing things (slime, play-doh) with your hands that make kids so giddy?
When we make clay we use a couple of different recipes it just depends on what we’re creating. If we just want to play or we’re going to be painting it we use baking soda clay, but if we want some pizzazz, we use the cornstarch salt clay. The salt adds a little sparkle to the clay making it shimmer when it dries. It’s a great recipe to use if you’re making ornaments because the salt crystals reflect the light, it’s really beautiful.
Creating Fun with Cornstarch Salt Clay
INGREDIENTS
2 cups salt
1 cup cornstarch
water
food coloring (optional)
glitter (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- In a saucepan, over medium heat, mix together salt and 2/3 cup water, if using food coloring and glitter add it now . Heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in cornstarch and 1/2 cup water. Let it cool before handling.
- Store in an air-tight container until ready to use.
Decorating Ideas
- Use a rolling pin to flatten the clay
- Use cookie cutters to create different shapes
- Use objects for creating texture (ex. leaves, forks, etc.)
- Adhere small objects by pressing them in the clay
- Use acrylic paint to dried clay to add color
The clay will dry very hard if you let it sit for 2-3 days, it may take a little longer depending on the thickness of the clay. You may also experience a little cracking, but it will be minimal.
There are so many creative things that you can make with this clay. My kids decided that they wanted to make Father’s Day gifts, one made a change dish and the other a key chain pendant. I made star garland to hang on our front porch for 4th of July and a lid for a ramekin, that I use for keeping my cooking salt.
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We could paint these stars red, white and blue! Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend? Hope to see you again next week!
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
Oh I did this with all three of my children, and we added food coloring to make it even more fun. Sweet memories I’m keeping around for the future grandkids.
I love the corn starch dough so much! I added food coloring, too, and some beads and glitter. Lots of fun!
Mine used to love home-made playdough – many happy hours of fun ,great recipe Robin
Great recipe to make with children. These are the best activities because they use imagination.
This brings back so many memories! I used to make flour/salt dough with my mom when I was a child. I think the texture would be much nicer with cornstarch. I can’t wait to try it with my children. We’re always looking for fun crafts to try.
My mom used to make it with me too! I remember loving the way it felt squishing it between my fingers.
I have one question – I followed the recipe and Clay was drying then all in a sudden it got wet on its own now falling apart. What could be the problem?
It was in a dry room on a shelf drying…
Sorry it didn’t work out, I have never had that problem. Next time, maybe try using less water after adding the cornstarch.