This weekend, Rowan and I had some fun making homemade modeling clay. It is a simple recipe consisting of cooking up a mix of cornstarch, baking soda and water. I let Rowan make a total mess on the kitchen counter by giving him the job of filling the measuring cups. I justify the cornstarch tornado with the idea that he is “learning responsibility” and “perfecting his fine motor skills”.  All I can say, is our days would not be complete without my overworked vacuum cleaner.

Rowan made some original art using these colorful corn kernels. Inspired by this, I made a few lopsided snowmen. We ended the afternoon by filling a pan with a bit of flour, and Rowan played with the winter scene. In typical boy style, his digger trucks made it into the pan, and that was that.

Homemade Modeling Clay

1/2 cup cornstarch
1 cup baking soda
3/4 cup water

Mix all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until mixture starts to become firm. When the mixture is a soft clay consistency remove it and place it on a clean surface to cool. When it is cool you can start to knead it and it will firm up even more.

Mold clay into desired shapes. Let it dry overnight.