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Cornstarch Based Modeling Clay Recipes

Cornstarch Based Clay Recipes & Tips

Here are some craft ideas for using cornstarch based modeling clays. These are variously known as cold porcelain clay, Victorian salt clay, and pasta francesa. I like the porcelain designation because cornstarch based modeling clays are pure white and if sealed after drying, they actually resemble fine porcelain.

The pictures on this page are all cornstarch modeling clay jewelry.

Cornstarch modeling clays require cooking to prepare. They air dry; but drying can be accelerated in a warm oven. The shelf life varies from one week to one month depending on the ingredients, storage temperature and humidity.

A few tips for working with cornstarch based modeling clays:

• Expect shrinkage of up to 30% as your pieces dry;
• You may add powdered or liquid paint (see specific recipe for type of paint to use) either when making the clay or when you are ready to model it, but adding color before storing it reduces the clay’s shelf life;
• Adding too much paint alters the recipe and could cause the dough to dry out or crack when cured – if you want intense color, reduce one of the liquid ingredients (water if using water-based paint, oil if using oil-based paint);
• Projects may also be made with uncolored clay, then painted after curing;
• A small amount of hand cream on your palms will help you make smoother forms;
• Can be hand modeled, as well as pressed into molds;
• Can be used to make molds, for example if you have a large cameo, make your own mold by pressing it into a flattened piece of clay, let dry, then make your own cameos using the mold (note they will be smaller than the original because of the double shrinkage;
• Impressions like “Believe” or “Love” can be carved or stamped into the dough while soft;
• To make jewelry beads, punch holes with a toothpick or skewer while the clay is soft;
• To prevent beads from flattening while drying, string them on a stiff wire such as a piece of clothes hangar and suspend across a shoe box;
• It takes an average of 2 days for a modeled object to dry at room temperature ;
• For quicker results, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Turn oven off. Place the project on a wire rack in the oven and leave until the oven has cooled off;
• Cured objects may be smoothed by rubbing gently with sandpaper, emery board or emery cloth;
• When dry, can be antiqued by painting over with black, gold, brown, etc., then burnishing off of the high surfaces with a soft cloth;
• Spray cured project with Krylon acrylic sealer or brush on Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel Clear Gloss Glaze for a porcelain look;
• Pastel colors will be darker when cured but can be lightened a bit if you seal as above;
• Do not use your products for food or beverages [For explanation, read Polymer Clay Safety Tips , especially the section “Food and Polymer Clay” . The same logic applies.];
• Store clay in a cool, dark place wrapped in plastic or sealed in a Ziploc bag placed in an airtight container.

Cornstarch Based Modeling Clay Recipes

Cornstarch Modeling Clay Recipe #1

Cold Porcelain Clay

courtesy of Fiona Guagliano You can see some of Fiona’s beautiful clay figurines by clicking here.

Her creations are both stunning and whimsical and are certain to inspire new craft ideas in you.

[I read somewhere in a Spanish website that authentic cold porcelain clay contains alabaster powder, but no matter, this looks like porcelain to me.]

• 1. Combine in a Teflon-coated pot:
1 cup polyvinyl acetate glue such as Elmer’s Glue All
1 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons Vaseline oil (not jelly) - if unavailable where you live, substitute baby oil or pharmaceutical grade mineral oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice.
• 2. Cook on low heat stirring constantly for 10 minutes or until dough forms and begins to come away from the sides. If you have a gas stove, you may need to use a heat diffuser under the pot to avoid burning the dough.
• 3. Remove from heat and allow to cool until you can handle it.
• 4. Knead into a smooth clay consistency.
• 5. Store in a cool, dark place at noted in tips above.
• 6. Tempura powder or acrylic paints may be used for coloring the dough.

Thank you, Fiona, both for the recipe, your craft ideas and for your delightful website!

Cornstarch Modeling Clay Recipe #2

Victorian Salt Clay

[Gosh, this recipe is so old; I don’t even remember where I got it. If anyone knows the source, please let me know so I can give proper credit.]

Cornstarch modeling clays containing salt are the most porous, so are only suitable for craft projects that have a rough or rustic finish.

• 1. Mix 2 cups salt and 2/3 cup water in a pan.
• 2. Mix 1 cup cornstarch and ½ cup ice water in a bowl.
• 3. Stirring constantly, heat salt combination over a low flame for about 4 minutes. Do not boil. If you have a gas stove, you may need to use a heat diffuser under the pot to avoid burning the dough.
• 4. Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the cornstarch and water. If mixture is too thin, return to low heat and stir constantly until of clay consistency.
• 5. Store in a cool, dark place at noted in tips above.
• 6. Tempura powder or acrylic paints may be used for coloring the dough.

Cornstarch Modeling Clay Recipe #3

Pasta Francesa

Variations of this recipe are very popular in Latin America. Many call for 10% formaldehyde (formalin or formol), but this is optional. If formalin is included, the clay actually becomes a polymer, and therefore has a longer shelf life and suffers less shrinkage.

I believe it is much safer to purchase commercial polymer clays than to make your own. However, if you can purchase formalin in your area and would like to try making your own polymer clay, please read the precautionary information provided by the University of California, Davis.

• 1. Mix in a Teflon-coated pot until completely dissolved:
1 cup cornstarch
½ cup water.
Add and incorporate
1 cup polyvinyl acetate glue such as Elmer’s Glue All
Add and incorporate
1 ½ tablespoons glycerin
1 ½ tablespoons cold cream with lanolin
¼ teaspoon formalin (optional).
• 2. Cook on low heat stirring constantly until dough forms and begins to come away from the sides. Take care not to overcook or the dough will harden. If you have a gas stove, you may need to use a heat diffuser under the pot to avoid burning the dough.
• 3. Remove from heat, cover with a damp cloth and allow to cool until you can handle it.
• 4. Knead into a smooth clay consistency.
• 5. Store in a cool, dark place at noted in tips above.

• 6. Oil paints may be used for coloring the dough before curing; oil or acrylics may be used to paint after curing.

Once you have made the clay, your personal craft ideas can take free reign. The types of crafts that can be made are mind boggling!

Please share your craft ideas on the use of this clay with us.

Be sure to read my other articles about Home Cured Modeling Clays

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