Charlotte had fun mixing the ingredients (cornstarch, baking soda and water), and shaping them using cookie cutters. After baking them (and cooling), they were ready to be decorated. You can use glue with glitter, beads and whatever else you can think of. Charlotte painted this batch with vibrant watercolors. When she was finished, we tied a string through the hole, wrapped them up, and they were ready to handed out as gifts.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup water
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium sized pot combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and water. With an adults help the kids can stir this mixture over medium-low heat. After a couple of minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken. When it looks like smooth, mashed potatoes, remove the pot from the heat. Spoon the ball of dough into a bowl and cover it with a damp cloth until it's cool. When it's cool, knead it on a smooth surface until smooth. Add more cornstarch if it feels sticky.
Rolling, Cutting, and Baking
Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out clay to 1/4 inch thick on a surface lightly dusted with cornstarch. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Transfer shapes to the prepared baking sheet. Use a straw to poke a hole in the center top of each decoration, then get the kids to blow out the small piece of clay. They love this task! Place them in the oven for about an hour, turning them over halfway through cooking.
Have fun, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!