How to Make Translucent Clay

How to Make Translucent Clay

Here is a unique recipe for clay that is semi-translucent! It's quick and easy to make, and kids enjoy the soft texture.

Makes about 1-1/2 cups of clay.

What You Will Need:

  • 1/2 cup Salt
  • 1/2 cup Boiling Water
  • 1/4 cup Cold Water
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch
  • Stove
  • Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Mixing Spoon

What You Do:

  1. Pour 1/2 cup water into a pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Pour salt into the boiling water and stir. Reduce the heat to low.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and the cold water. Stir well.
  4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the salt mixture, then cook over low heat and stir constantly.
  5. Continue to stir the mixture until it has the consistency of a stiff cookie dough, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
  6. Once the clay has cooled, knead it until it is soft.
    NOTE: The clay will be sticky while it is still warm, but becomes more like clay as it cools.
  7. Your clay is not ready to play with!

Variations:

  • Store your clay in an airtight container so you can play with it again and again. Or, if you prefer, mold your clay into shapes and allow them to dry overnight. The clay will harden within 24 hours (more time many be necessary, depending on the size of your clay sculpture). The clay will be less translucent when it hardens.
  • In the Winter, create a dozen translucent clay snowmen to decorate your window sills. Allow the clay to harden overnight.
  • In the Winter, use this translucent clay to create unique snowflakes that you can hang in your windows for a seasonal decoration.
  • Make beads by rolling the clay into small balls and use a toothpick to create the opening for a string to pass through. Once the clay has hardened, string the beads to form friendship bracelets. 
  • Mix this translucent clay with a red or pink clay to create swirly Valentine hearts or Christmas candy canes.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.