2/3 parts fine sawdust
(any kind except redwood)
1/3 part flour
Water
Large bowl or bucket
Wooden spoon
Few people have
used this type of clay, but after I tried it, I
loved it! It's very inexpensive, and the results
can be quite impressive. When dried in the sun,
sawdust clay becomes very hard and can be sanded
with sandpaper before it's painted. Children of
all ages can use it, clean up is easy, and one
bucket of sawdust will keep you busy a long time.
To mix the clay,
use a large bowl or bucket. Mix 2/3 parts of
sawdust and 1/3 part of flour together. Pour in
water and mix until it reaches a stiff but
"squishy" consistency. Add more flour if it is
too crumbly. The clay needs some kneading before
the gluten in the flour becomes elastic, holding
the sawdust together. Work it in your hands or on
a table top covered with newspapers. Play with
the clay a little until it becomes easy to shape.
This clay has a
thick heavy texture, and the best type of projects
seem to be "Indian" type pottery pieces. Take
large balls of clay. Push your thumbs together
into the center, shaping the sides as you go for
bowls and other containers. Sawdust clay can also
be rolled flat and cut into shapes with cookie
cutters. Poke a hole in each cut-out with a
drinking straw. When dry, string with yarn to
make simple wall decorations or Christmas tree
ornaments.
This clay air-dries
very hard. It should be placed directly in the
sun, if possible. When dry, you can sand it or
not, depending upon what you like. Use tempera or
acrylic paints to decorate the finished objects.
To give your pieces a glossy coating, spray with
acrylic clear finish or paint with acrylic floor
wax.
From the book
Kids Create, Art & Craft Experiences for 3 to 9
Year Olds by Laurie Carlson
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