Argo Play Clay - great Play Dough or Salt Dough substitute

[cruelshoes]

We used this recipe to make "salt dough" Christmas ornaments with our kids last night. It was a really easy recipe, and the dough was great to work with. I will post pictures after we paint them. The dough will thicken up all of a sudden in the pan while you are cooking it, so you really do need to stir it constantly, and don't walk away for even a minute. Yield - 2 pounds

http://www.argostarch.com/recipe_details.asp?id=1286

Argo Play Clay

1 cup Corn Starch
1 pound (2 cups) baking soda
1-1/4 cups cold water
1 tablespoon Mazola Oil
1 tablespoon food color, if desired (We omitted this because we are going to paint them)

In medium saucepan stir corn starch and baking soda. Add water and oil all at once and stir until smooth.

Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture reaches the consistency of SLIGHTLY dry mashed potatoes. (Mixture will come to a boil, then start to thicken, first in lumps and then in a thick mass; it should hold its shape). If Play Clay is overcooked, crafts may crack. Turn out onto plate and cover with damp cloth; cool.

When cool enough to handle, turn play clay onto work surface dusted with corn starch; knead until smooth and pliable. If not using immediately, store completely cooled clay in tightly closed plastic bag or container.


Shape Play Clay as desired by molding into shapes, balls or ropes with hands. Or, roll flat with a rolling pin or press with hands, making pieces of moderate thickness. (Items less than 1/4-inch thick tend to be fragile; very thick pieces often dry unevenly and may crack). Press or etch designs into soft Play Clay. Plan to glue small pieces together (including heads to bodies) rather than press Play Clay shapes together.

Air-dry Play Clay overnight on wire racks, turning occasionally for faster and more even drying. To oven dry: Preheat oven to 350 degrees, then turn oven OFF. Place undecorated items on a wire rack on a cookie sheet. Place in oven until oven is cold. Repeat as necessary.

Decorate with water color, acrylic paints, markers, colored glue, glitter glue, or crayons. Let dry completely. Coat decorated items with clear acrylic to seal.

Store un-shaped Play Clay in an airtight container OR heavy plastic bag in a cool place up to 2 weeks. Knead stored clay until smooth before using.
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-Colleen

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handcart?

[cruelshoes]

Our ornaments turned out great! Here's one from each of us. DH on the top, older DD, me, DS in the middle, and the baby on the bottom.


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-Colleen

Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handcart?

[Gus's Mama]

So far, so good! I made the dough, worked it on a starched surface until it was nice and smooth, but the food coloring is coming off all over my hands! Once it is totally cooled and rests for awhile, will that stop?

Thanks!
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Deb
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SPD Little Boy, Gus: Getting better by the day! Improved digestion, skin issues clearing, able to focus and follow instructions, talking (the boy is TALKING!!!)

[Gus's Mama]

I heard back from Argo--they said to add more oil to the dough to see if that helps with the consistency and color-transfer. I'll give it a shot!
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Deb
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SPD Little Boy, Gus: Getting better by the day! Improved digestion, skin issues clearing, able to focus and follow instructions, talking (the boy is TALKING!!!)