how to make an air dry clay

How to Make Air Dry Clay: No Cooking Required

Make air dry clay from scratch using ingredients that you may have in your cupboard and craft supplies. No cooking required!

air dry clay

I’ve seen these cool craft projects using air-dry clay (ADC), or commonly called cold porcelain clay, and wanted to try it for a very long time. But instead of buying a ready-to-use ADC, I decided to make my own. You know me; I’m a big DIYer.

So I researched and found this no-cooking-required air dry clay recipe by The Table Kitchen Classroom, which is perfect because I have the ingredients on-hand.

Was it a success?

I’ve to be honest, it’s a bit frustrating at FIRST. Yes, at first, I cannot get the consistency that I want. I came to the point of ditching this DIY and move on to my next craft project. But I was thinking of the amount of cornstarch and glue that I used, plus the time I spent making this.Β 

I’m not saying it’s a failed recipe. It is great! But I adjusted the proportion of ingredients to get the consistency that I want to achieve.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the exact proportion either. For me, it’s a trial and error. But, if I will approach it scientifically and channelling Albert Einstein, I’d probably get the eureka moment of getting the right proportion.

But NAH!!! Forget about it. I want to get messy and have fun making ADC. After all, it’s all about the experience of making it.

And honestly, I’m glad I didn’t throw it. I love, love, looooovvveee the Christmas ornaments and gift tags I made using this clay.

christmas ornaments

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How to Make Air Dry Clay

Check this video on how to make ADC and what to do if it get’s too crumbly.

Ingredients:

Cornstarch
Craft Glue (you can use Elmer’s)
Baby Oil
1 tsp lotion
1 Tbsp Vinegar

Tools:

Measuring Cups
Mixing Bowl
Spatula
Saran Wrap
Airtight Container / Zip Lock Bag

1. Start by mixing 1 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of glue, 1 tsp of lotion, and 1 tbsp of vinegar. Mix it using a spoon or spatula.

Air dry clay

2. Add 1 tbsp of baby oil. Mix it thoroughly. At this point, you’ll notice that the mixture is still in a gooey state. 

ADC

3. Add cornstarch gradually and use your hand to mix it. 

4. Sprinkle cornstarch on your flat surface and start kneading the dough. 

5. Add more cornstarch until you get the right consistency. 

No cooking required Air dry clay

6. If you will not use the ADC right away, wrap it with saran wrap, put it in an airtight container (ziplock bag is okay), and store it in a cooler.

How to fix soft and crumbly air dry clay?

Fixing soft air dry clay

Soft ADC is sticky (remember we are using glue in this recipe). It is hard to manipulate and sculpt if your ADC is in this type of condition. To fix it, add cornstarch gradually and knead it until you get your liking’s consistency.

Fixing Hard Air Dry Clay

Over time, ADC will get crumbly, especially if it is not stored properly. To fix this:

how to fix crumbly air dry clay
  1. Add a drop or two of baby oil and glue gradually.
  2. Combine the crumbled pieces and knead.
  3. Add more oil and glue if it is still hard and crumbly.
  4. Knead it until you get the right consistency.
how to fix crumbly air dry clay

Is it Worth to Make an Air Dry Clay?

If you don’t want to get messy and do the experimenting, go to the craft store and buy a ready-to-use ADC. Seriously!!!! LOL… 

But for me, I love the process of making ADC. It can be tricky, but you’ll love making more once you get the hang of it. 

I made Christmas ornaments and gift tags using this DIY air dry clay, and boy, I can’t stop thinking of making crafts using this clay. And that means one thing – make another batch of it!!!

Gift tags using air dry clay

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24 thoughts on “How to Make Air Dry Clay: No Cooking Required”

  1. How long does it take to harden?
    The quantities of ingredients used makes how much clay? (1,2,3 oz?)
    I am going to run a pottery club afterschool and like your recipe as kids can make their own clay – so i need to ask these questions – (x 12 kids :D)

    1. Probably 2-3 days. it depends on hot thick your project is.

      It’s about 1/2 kg or 17 oz. So just cut the amount if it’s too much

  2. The problem is, I only have the glue and I’m trying to make this to spend less money so I cant buy all that stuff… ughh πŸ˜‚

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  4. Can you add acrylic paint or food coloring to your clay. Does it make itarder to dry. I can’t wait to tri Tthank you for the tutorial!

  5. I just made this and I was so excited to try it with my school kiddos. However, it doesn’t hold it shape and spreads out like slime. I added a bunch of cornstarch to stop it from being so sticky and I don’t think that’s what it needs more of because it’s to the point of becoming crumbly if I add any more. I definitely can’t use this like other air dry clay. Any ideas of how to fix this? TIA!

  6. Can you get the same details as using store bought? I want to make a ball jointed doll and don’t really feel like spending a ton of money

    1. I tried DAS modelling clay, and it works great.

      My recipe is for beginners or hobby crafters. There is a possibility that it would crack. It’s a hit and miss.

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