1992 PLAY-CLAY

The clay will harden at room temperature. It could be shaped into tags for packages, place
cards or ornaments, such as the teddy bear in the picture.

1 cup cornstarch
2 cups (1 pound) baking soda
1 1/2 cups cold water

In medium saucepan, stir together cornstarch and baking soda. Add water all at once and stir until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat, until mixture reaches the consistency of slightly dry mashed potatoes. Mixture will come to a boil, then start to thicken, first in lumps and then in a thick mass. It should hold its shape.

Turn out onto plate and cover with a damp cloth; cool. When cool enough to handle, knead thoroughly on a cornstarch-dusted surface until smooth and pliable. If not to be used immediately, store completely cooled clay in a tightly closed plastic bag. Clay may be kept in a cool place up to two weeks.

Knead stored clay before using. Makes about 2 pounds of clay, or enough for 15 to 20 Teddy Bear ornaments.

Work the clay a small amount at a time on waxed paper or a protected surface that has been lightly dusted with cornstarch. Store remaining clay in tightly closed container. Clay can be molded or rolled. (To keep paper from wrinkling during rolling, place wax paper on slightlydampened surface.)

To join pieces of clay, moisten the receiving surface with a wet paint brush, then gently press the added piece into place. If small pieces come off during drying, let dry completely, then glue in place with white glue.

TEDDY BEARS

Bears are made by joining simple shapes, such as balls and tubes. Create them free form or follow the suggested dimensions. Moisten surfaces when joining pieces.

1. For body, roll ball of clay about 1 inch in diameter and flatten partly so body is 1 1/2 inches
in diameter.

2. For head, roll ball of clay 3/4 inch in diameter and flatten to oval 1 inch by 1 1/4 inches. Join
to body, overlapping about 1/2 inch at neck.

3. For ears, roll two balls of clay about 1/4 inch in diameter and flatten to about 1/2 inch.
Attach to head.

4. For nose, roll ball of clay about 1/4 inch in diameter and flatten to about 1/2 inch.

5. For arms, roll two tubes of clay about 1 to 1 1/4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

6. For legs, roll two tubes of clay about 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inch thick.

7. Place finished pieces on wire rack and let dry and harden at room temperature. When front
is partly dry (several hours, or overnight), turn and attach additional clay to the back of each
piece to fill in empty spaces behind neck, arms, etc. Continue drying.

8. Paint thoroughly dry pieces with acrylic paints, poster paints or water colors. For a shiny
finish and extra strength, when piece is completely dry, spray with 3 to 4 coats of quick-drying
clear spray, allowing piece to dry between coats. Or dip in clear shellac or paint with clear nail
polish.