Crayola® Air-Dry Clay is a natural earth clay which air-dries to a hard solid. Use it to make clay sculptures, decorative items or plaques. No baking or firing needed. Easy clean-up. Minimal shrinkage.
While clay is wet
Water can be added to Air-Dry Clay to soften or join pieces. If too much water is added and clay is very soft, allow excess to evaporate before molding pieces; otherwise, cracking may result. Check frequently to determine when the clay achieves the desired workability. When working with Air-Dry Clay, remember that pieces greater than ¼” thick are more durable and less fragile than thinner pieces. When joining two pieces together, score or roughen both surfaces, then apply slip before pressing firmly together. To make slip, mix together clay and water until it's the consistency of heavy cream.
You can use most traditional clay sculpting techniques with Air-Dry Clay, such as coil, slab, pinch, score-and-weld. The wet clay takes impressions well from rubber stamps or textured materials. You can also press beads, small stones or other decorative items directly into the clay.
Air-Dry Clay is similar to a porcelain clay body when wet and can be thrown on a potter’s wheel by intermediate and advanced students. However, it should never be fired in a kiln or painted with traditional glazes.
When clay is dry
Large or thick dry pieces of Air-Dry Clay may be carved or inscribed with clay tools (use adult supervision). Thoroughly dry pieces may be painted with tempera, acrylic or watercolor.
Handling and care information:
Store unused clay in an airtight container. Do not store clay to which water has been added. Keep finished product away from open flame. Do not mold into candleholders or other like items for use around flame. Do not put in oven, microwave or kiln. Do not allow finished pieces to come into contact with food or liquids.