Clay and dough can be a great way for kids and grown-ups alike to have some creative play time. Not only can it be a great stress reducer, but you and your child can create ashtray, candle holders and figurines that you'll treasure for years to come.
Clay and Dough
There are many different types of clays and doughs available on the market. For little hands try soft, easy to use clays and doughs. Play-Doh is the most well known soft dough and comes in a wide variety of colors. Model Magic is another popular soft dough that once dry can be colored with markers. For older kids try modeling clay. Modeling clay comes in many types of colors and is great for older children and teens as it is a little harder to work with. Pottery clay is perfect for making vases, cups, dishes, beads and pencil holders by hand or on a wheel. Know though, that pottery clay usually needs to be fired in a kiln or oven. Most clays are reusable if stored appropriately.
Supplies
There are an abundance of pottery and clay supplies available. For little ones companies like Hasbro and Crayola offer fun kits that help your child create everything from fake food to buildings out of dough or clay. For older kids think about investing in professional supplies. Rolling pins, scrapers and cutting twine will help your child flatten the dough, smooth edges and cut large blocks of clay into sections. Wire sculpting tools will help them add detail to projects. Wooden modeling and cutting tools are also great for little and big kids to use. Sponges are a great way to moisten clay that is a little dried out. For the serious child potter look for a small wheel to throw vases, plates and more. Purchase glazes and paints to add colorful detailing to dried projects. Don't forget plastic containers with sealed lids to store extra clay or dough.
