Why has my Air-Dry Clay piece cracked?

There are several reasons why a sculpture made with Crayola® may have cracked.

• Forming the Air-Dry Clay around a rigid support or armature is not recommended. The clay gradually constricts as it dries, and the rigid piece remains the same size. This can result in the clay cracking. If you feel an armature is necessary, it is best to choose one that allows a small amount of give, such as crumpled aluminum foil.
• Water can be added to air-dry clay to soften or join pieces. However, too much water may result in cracking as the clay dries. If too much water is added, making the clay very soft, allow the excess water to evaporate before molding pieces.
• Air-Dry Clay pieces should be at least 1/4 inch in thickness. If the item you created is too thin, cracking may occur.

If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-CRAYOLA weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.