Recipe: Natural Earth Modeling Clay

Recipe: Natural Earth Modeling Clay

My 4 year old son loves home-made play dough, but as a busy mom, I never find myself with time to make new batches for him. So, when someone gave him a set of modeling clay that permanently stays moist, malleable, and infinitely re-usable, I was very excited! 

However, I quickly noticed that the store-bought clay had a toxic smell, sticking to and sometimes dying my little one's hands. I did a little research and found that most commercially-available modeling clay is made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mixed with phthalate plasticizers, which are associated with several scary health risks. To keep my little one safe, I decided to make our own clay with all natural ingredients and natural earth pigments. This recipe is super quick and easy and actually nourishes your skin as you play with it!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup beeswax pellets
  • 3 tsp. coconut oil or olive oil
  • 2 tsp. Lanolin
  • 1 Tbsp. Natural Earth Pigments
  • Plastic ice cube tray or any silicone “mold”

Step 1. Use a double boiler or fill a large pot with water and place a smaller pot with all ingredients inside. 

Step 2. Heat the ingredients and stir until they're fully melted and combined.

Step 3. Pour the melted ingredients into your mold. If you're using an ice cube tray, fill each section ¼ to ½ full.

Step 3. Once the clay has hardened, it will feel very firm, but will become malleable in your hands as they heat it up. Roll the clay between your hands until you’re able to squish it before you hand it to your little ones. Have fun!

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