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!

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. 

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.

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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.

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. 

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. 

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:

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.

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!!!

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