Victorian Salt Clay

(can be used to make beads for necklaces)

Mix 2 cups salt and 2/3 cup water in a pan. Stirring constantly, heat over a low flame for about 4 minutes (Do not boil). Remove from heat. Quickly mix 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water together and add this combination in one go to heated mixture. Stir and mix quickly. If resulting mixture is not a thick paste, place back on low heat and stir for about a minute until mixture is doughlike.

Treat like bread dough - knead on flat surface until dough is a smooth and pliable mass. Can be stored in plastic or foil and kept in an airtight container.

Color can be added when dough is being cooked or when being kneaded, or modelled objects can be painted when dry.

It takes 2 days for a modelled object to dry at room temperature. For quicker results, preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and then turn the oven off. Place the model in the oven, preferably on a wire rack, and leave inside until the oven has cooled off.

For a finishing touch, smooth dry models by rubbing gently with sandpaper or an emery board.

To make beads for a necklace, punch holes with a toothpick while the clay is still pliable. You can also string the beads through a thin wire, letting them dry on the wire itself.

Clay can also be rolled out like cookie dough and cut with a cookie cutter.