Mixing and molding clay is a messy affair, so be sure your child wears old clothes and works the dough on a washable counter, or on a table covered with waxed paper.


While working, cover any extra dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

To add color to the dough, knead in food coloring. For more vibrant colors, use cake-decorating coloring paste, which is available at party stores or in the baking section of your supermarket.

To add patterns to her sculptures, your child can experiment with pressing shells, toothpicks, forks or combs into the moist clay. A dough ball squeezed through a garlic press makes wonderful hair.

To join pieces of clay, dab a drop of water on the surface to be joined, then press the two pieces together firmly. If the pieces come apart when the sculpture is dry, simply reattach them with white glue.

When dry, most doughs can be painted with acrylics. For best results, apply one layer of white paint as a primer, let dry, then apply colored paints.

For other recipes and tips try:

RECIPES FOR ART AND CRAFT MATERIALS
by Helen Roney Sattler

KIDS' CRAZY CONCOCTIONS
by Jill Frankel Hauser

DRIBBLE DRABBLE
by Deya Brashears

MUDWORKS
by MaryAnn Kohl