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
