How to Make Air Drying Clay Holders and Decorative Figures

Looking for an activity you can quickly prepare which can be for many uses like decorating, usefulness, or just fun for kids? You know, sometimes you have many pencils lying around making a mess... or you need a way to distract bored children. This is a simple way to produce little figures and holders, mini pots and cups (not for drinking!) ..... with (self hardening) clay! ( P.s. This is my first instructable... still trying to figure this out so sorry if this doesn't turn out well.)

Step 1: What You Will Need: Hands, Flour, Salt, Water, and Paint.

What you are using, depending on how much clay you want, is: 2 cups flour, 2/4 - 3/4 salt, and about a cup of water. Either add the salt to the water first to dissolve, or mix the flour and salt. I tend to dissolve the salt first, because sometimes with the end product, you see salt bits. (little dots and it looks uneven) It just depends on your choice. Add the water gradually to the flour. You should come with a dough-like substance. You may need more or less water. Mix well and knead thoroughly with hands.

Step 2: Moulding Creations

Now you can start designing your clay creations. If you are making a pot or cup, grab a piece of dough according to how big you want it, flatten it out (not to thick and not too thin) then shape it upwards to your desire. For the snake, I rolled out a piece of clay, then wound it around to make a cup shape. For the butterfly, I just shaped the butterfly, then used a pencil to poke hole, wiggled it around a bit, then laid it to dry.

Step 3: Figures

Now, for an animal or person, I like to use a circle based piece like in the example. It makes it much easier than moulding actual bodies and face shapes if you're like me. It also gives a cute kind of effect. So roll a piece of clay into a sphere, then add ears, feet, face, hair, etc. Like these in the sample. But remember you can leave small features for later like eyes which you can draw on later, or paint later.

Step 4: Drying

Leave your creations at least one night to dry. It may take more or less time depending on how large your creation (s) is (are).

Step 5: Next Comes Painting...

Now you can paint your creations after they've dried. I always like bright vibrant colours. Remember, this can get a little messy, so you might need newspaper to put under the clay while painting... especially with kids. Also, this too will need some time to dry.

Step 6: Conclusion

So, now you have your tiny clay pieces all over! I like to have a shelf where I put all the decorative little things... like these clay things, mc donalds toys, y'know. ;)