The Zookeeper's other Adventure!

In my insanity Tuesday I asked my little exhibits and Orangutan's BFF to help me make to make some new ornaments for our tree and I thought I would share the clay recipes with you guys. These have to air dry so if you are going to use them you need to start early!

Baking Soda Clay

1 c cornstarch

2 c baking soda

1 1/4 c water

Mix together in a medium saucepan over low heat until it begins to form a dough (about 15 minutes). Allow to cool to room temp. Roll out like playdough and cut out your shapes. To make a hole to hang them up use a drinking straw. Allow to dry on wax paper but make sure you turn them over every other day so that they dry evenly . Otherwise you end up with curly edges (experience speaking - and that would be why we are making some new ones!).

I wanted to post the how to video that the kids made for you but my computer is not cooperating so you'll have to content yourselves with pictures.

CinnaClay
1 1/2 c cinnamon
1 c applesauce
1/3 c Elmer's glue

Mix together in a large mixing bowl to form a stiff dough and let stand for about 30 minutes. (Make sure you give it that resting period or else you are going to stick to everything! Experience again!) ON WAX PAPER (if you value your dining room table!) dust your rolling pin with cinnamon and roll out into 1/4 in thickness. Cut out with your cookie cutters and use your straw to poke a hanging hole. Again allow to dry for several days turning them over every other.

Both of these can be painted with paint pens for an added touch. But a word of caution on the painting. They are pourous so they absorb paint very well - you may need to paint a second coat especially on the CinnaClay. The Cinnamon ornaments make great gift tags for hand made gifts and they add a little hint of smell - not terribly over powering!

Have fun and send me pictures!