Fine Craft Clay

2 cups baking soda
1 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 cups water
Food coloring or Wonder Colors
Oil of cloves or peppermint extract
Matte acrylic varnish

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the baking soda and cornstarch and add the water, stirring constantly. Mixture will become thin and smooth at first. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is too thick to stir. Turn the mixture out onto a cookie sheet to cool, covering with a damp cloth. When cool, knead until smooth. Store the mixture in a tightly closed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To use:
Mold this clay by shaping with hands, rolling out and cutting with a cookie cutter, or pushing through a cookie or garlic press. Clay will harden at room temperature, depending on the size of the object. Most items are dry after 24 hours and, if necessary, you can preheat the oven to 350 degrees, turn it off, and put the clay in to dry, turning the pieces occasionally. After drying, smooth off any dry edges with an emery board. Because this clay is absorbent, more than one coat of varnish or shellac will be necessary. Experiment with a trial piece to see how many coats you will need. You may use as many as five coats on a thick figure.

You can even tint the clay with spices from your kitchen for an earthy look.