This homemade clay recipe is incredibly easy to make, and you’ll be surprised at how simple it is. This recipe is perfect for crafting with kids, as it results in a smooth, pliable dough that dries to a crisp, beautiful white. Best of all, it uses just three basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—no glue required!
When I recently made this air dry clay with my 4-year-old, it was the highlight of her day. The joy of mixing, kneading, and watching the ingredients take the form of clay was just as exciting as playing with the finished product. It’s an engaging way to spark imagination, teach kids about simple kitchen chemistry, and create lasting memories together.
For families who love crafting with air dry clay, this recipe is also a cost-effective alternative to store-bought versions, which can add up over time. Why spend extra money when you can make it at home with ease? Plus, this clay is super easy to work with and perfect for creating a variety of fun projects like ornaments, trinket dishes, or keepsake handprints.
Here’s how to make this homemade air-dry clay recipe at home.
Here’s What You Will Need
- 1 cup of Cornstarch
- 2 cups of Baking soda
- 1.5 cups of Water
- Large pot
- Metal spoon
- Measuring cups
- Ziplock Gallon sized bags
How to Make DIY Clay
Step 1: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a large pot, mix together the cornstarch and baking soda.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the water.
Step 3: Cook the Dough
Place the pot over medium heat, stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the clay thickens and starts to form a ball.
Step 4: Cool the Clay
Remove the pot from the heat and transfer the clay to wax paper. Let it cool slightly and then knead it into a dough.
Knead the dough until it’s smooth.
There you have it! How to make easy homemade air dry clay. I hope you enjoyed this project and learned something useful in the process.
How to Store Air Dry Clay
We all know that air dry clay can get hard quickly once it is exposed to air. That said, to keep your clay soft, store it in a ziplock bag or an airtight container.
This will help maintain its texture and softness. The clay should stay soft and usable for up to 3-6 months when stored this way.
What are some craft ideas for using air-dry clay?
There are so many things we can make with homemade clay. Here are some ideas you will likely love.
- Pea Pod Bowl: Create a whimsical pea pod-shaped bowl for holding small trinkets or jewelry.
- Feather Tags: Make delicate feather-shaped tags for gift wrapping, ornaments, or decor.
- DIY Pencil Holder: Craft a personalized pencil holder with textures or painted designs.
- Incense Holder: Design a custom incense holder with sculptural or minimalist shapes.
- Jewelry Dishes: Create elegant bowls to organize rings and earrings.
- Keychains: Craft personalized keychains with shapes, initials, or fun designs.
- Wall Art: Design textured clay pieces for unique decorative wall art.
- Mini Sculptures: Sculpt small figurines, animals, or abstract designs for display.
- Coasters: Imprint clay with patterns or lace for functional and stylish coasters.
- Clay Beads: Make colorful beads for necklaces, bracelets, or decorative garlands.
- Trinket Boxes: Sculpt small lidded boxes for storing jewelry or treasures.
And if you need more ideas and inspiration, here’s a list of 17 Air Dry Clay Craft Ideas to try.
Is it cheaper to buy or make homemade clay?
It’s generally cheaper to make homemade clay than to buy it pre-made, especially if you plan to craft often. Homemade air dry clay can be made from simple, inexpensive ingredients like cornstarch, baking soda, and water, all of which cost far less than store-bought clay per batch.
However, store-bought clay saves time and gives you consistent results, which can be worth the extra cost for detailed projects or professional use. If you’re experimenting, crafting with kids, or making small decorative items, the homemade version is definitely the more budget-friendly option.
Can you use flour instead of cornstarch to make DIY Clay?
Yes, some people do use flour in homemade air dry clay, though it depends on the recipe. Flour-based clay is often combined with salt and water (and sometimes oil) to form a smooth, moldable dough. It’s very easy and inexpensive to make, making it a popular choice for kids’ crafts and simple projects.
However, flour clay tends to get more cracks (or crack more easily) as it dries and isn’t as durable as recipes made with baking soda and cornstarch, which create a smoother, brighter white clay. So while flour works well for fun, temporary crafts, baking soda–based clay is better if you want a more polished, lasting finish.
