2023-08-12 12:00:18
Do you want to do a home activity that stimulates the creativity of children? Discover how clay allows you to create unique objects with its way of making and molding.
Last update: August 12, 2023
Crafting is one of the most fun ways to spend time with children. Little ones usually love it, because they can create unique objects and develop their imagination. In this article we will teach you how to make homemade clay to have a fun activity with your children.
A manual for preschool education, raised at the Javeriana University of Colombia, points out that parents are fundamental agents in the development of children. They should stimulate and support the development of their children’s creative cognitive processes. Playing, imagining and creating with them strengthens affective bonds and encourages their correct development.
Playing with your children and doing crafts with them is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your relationship and stimulate their healthy development. Next, we will point out some activities with clay that will allow you to experiment with your children and have a fun time learning and creating.
These are the materials to make homemade clay
There are several ways to make clay at home. In this article, we will show you a very simple and safe way for children, since it is made with kitchen ingredients and it is not necessary to heat it. This type of clay is also known as pasta o dining room table. These are the materials:
1½ cups of salt 4 cups of cornmeal or cornstarch 1½ cups of water Acrylic paint or food coloring Deep bowl or bowl
Follow this step by step and you will have homemade clay
The process to get this salt or clay paste is very simple. In the creation of this clay, sticky pieces of dough can break off. In this regard, we recommend that you do the preparation in a clear area that you can get dirty, especially when working with small children. Follow these steps to let the magic begin!
Mix the cornmeal and salt in a deep bowl. You can use a wooden ladle to help stir and not get your hands full of flour. It is important that they are well mixed. Gradually add water; while you stir until the flour and salt are well integrated with the water. Stir until the mass becomes homogeneous. If you feel very sticky, it is recommended that you add a little flour. The texture should be smooth and manageable, and not so sticky that it cannot be handled. Scoop the mixture out of the bowl and start stirring and kneading it until it has a play-doh-like texture. At this point you have two options: separate into small pieces and use food coloring dyes or the blank mass and paint, at the end, with acrylics.
8 clay figures that you can make with children
Now that you know how to make homemade clay, it is useful for you to know some ideas to mold and encourage your children to create beautiful objects. The level of difficulty depends on the age of the children.. Regardless of the end result, it is important to guide children, stimulate their motor skills, and praise them for their creativity and effort.
1. Line some spheres or pencils
Having pencils and pens with fun shapes is something that children have a lot of fun. With the clay, you can line them and produce funny figures that they love to carry in their pencil case. For example, you can make a monkey hugging the pencil, a heart on the tip, the head of a bear or a worm that surrounds it.
Also, producing these decorated spheres can become a nice gift for children to make for their teachers, friends or family. In addition, it will be a gift with great value for being a special creation.
2. A jewelry box or stand
It is always good to have a support to put your keys or jewelry, hair ties or small objects that can be easily lost. This support can be made in the shape of a hand. To create it, it is necessary to knead some clay and stretch it. Next, you should put your hand on the clay and mark it with a toothpick to remove excess.
This stand can be used flat. However, it is also possible to give it curvature. In this regard, a round container can be lined with vinyl paper. Then, the clay hand is placed on top giving it the curvature of the container. Then it is necessary to wait for the dough to dry on the container so that it retains its shape.
3. Pendant
The pendants are very pretty and used to decorate children’s rooms. To make the pendant, you can use a rolling pin to crush the clay and make a thin layer. It is important that you do it on a surface made of a material that the clay does not stick to, such as silicone, vinyl paper or a plastic bag.
After you have the thin layer, you can use a cookie cutter or toothpick to outline the shapes. You can make hearts, rainbows, flowers, and clouds. It is necessary that in the upper part of the figure they make a hole to later pass the rope that will assemble the pendant.
4. Beads for bracelets or necklaces
For younger children it may be easier to make basic shapes like balls. Therefore, making beads for bracelets or necklaces is great for the little ones. In addition, it will stimulate their motor skills. It is about making small balls and making a hole in the middle with the help of a toothpick. Later they can be decorated and, with a thread, form the costume jewelery accessories.
5. Cup holder
Making funny cup holders is an excellent option that your children will surely love. A really fun idea is to make a family of monsters with different expressions on their faces. Every time you lift the cup or glass you will find a funny face.
To make the cup holders, you must first form a ball of clay and then crush it, you can help yourself with a roller or object to apply pressure. Next, you can use a round mold to cut out or draw a circle. It is important that you take into account the size of the wells or glasses in your house.
6. Characters
When children are learning, it is valuable to reinforce their knowledge with various playful activities. In addition to stimulating their motor skills and having fun with the family, playing with clay is a great learning strategy.
In this regard, you can make figures related to a theme with them: jungle animals, farm animals, dinosaurs, food, professions or anything they are learning at school. By the way, it serves to reinforce the knowledge of colors and shapes.
7. Bookmark
Reading has multiple benefits for children. Consequently, it is beneficial to encourage it in various ways. Making beautiful bookmarks is a good way to motivate this activity.
To do this, you can make various figures such as flowers, leaves or animals, with a hole to insert a ribbon or cloth cord when the figures dry. In this way, the tape separates the pages and the figure stands out in the book.
8. Christmas tree decorations
Christmas is one of the most beautiful and colorful times of the year. It is a time that is associated with family, solidarity, gifts and good wishes. For these reasons, children often love Christmas. In addition, at this time the children usually have vacations, so they will have free time to entertain themselves and do crafts.
To decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments made of clay, you can choose to create classic balls. They may have the face of a snowman, ideal for the little ones due to its ease. In addition, reindeer or Santa Claus faces can be created. On the other hand, you can use cookie cutters to cut the dough and then paint them with Christmas motifs.
Let the clay dry well
For the clay to dry well, it is necessary to let it rest for several days and turn the figures over. In addition, it is convenient to leave them on a silicone tray or on a surface lined with a film of vinyl paper, waxed paper or plastic so that they do not stick.
When the clay dries it is normal for it to crack a bit. However, those cracks can be repaired using some fresh clay. However, if the clay has dried out a bit it can also be soaked with water and it will soften. On the other hand, so that the objects you make with this clay last over time, it is advisable to put a layer of varnish on it.
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