Baking is one ofthelittle things that brings us joywhile at homeduringthepandemic.Creating objects from common baking ingredients bridges the relationship between industry,craft, and consumer. A basic claycan be made from flour, salt, and water. Have fun using spices, such as turmeric and paprika, along withcompost like coffee grinds to add texture and color to your clay.
This project is inspired by Autoarchy on view at Mint Museum Uptown.
Studio Formafantasma (Eindhoven, The Netherlands, 2009–), Andrea Trimarchi (Italian, 1983–), Simone Farresin (Italian, 1980–). “Autarchy,” 2012, flour, agricultural waste, vegetable dyes, beeswax, pine tar. Museum Purchase: Funds provided by Missy Luczak-Smith and Doug Smith. 2013.18.1-158
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SUPPLIES:
- Flour
- Salt
- Cold water
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Spices orkitchen compost
- Rolling Pin
- Wax paper
- Ribbon or rope
- Metal tabs fromsoda cans or washers
- Glue
- Scissors
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STEPS:
Start with 1 cup flour and1cup salt.Add spices or other kitchen ingredients for color andtexture. Slowly add up to one half cup cold waterwhile mixing togetherto form a ball.It helps to knead the clayfor several minutes.Add a few more drops of water ifthe clay is not holding together.
Consistency will vary depending on what type of flour you use and what you mix in.
If the clay istoo soft, knead in more flouruntil you have a clay that can stand when shaped.Divide dough and formintopots, bowls, or plates.
Make small pinch pots from balls of clay and allow to dry on their own. Make larger bowls by rolling the clay into a slab and drapingovercontainerswith a piece ofwaxpaper between the clay and containerto keep it from sticking.Oncethe outside of the clayis dry,carefullyremove it from the containerand take off the waxed paper. The insidewillneedadditional timeto dry. It can take up to 24 hours total to dry depending on size.
Option:Drape clay over a greased, oven-proof container and bake in a 300-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutesdepending on size and thickness. Younger children should ask an older sibling or adult for help with the oven.
Challenge:Decorate the outsides of your pieceswith materials you have at home.
Simplify:Let younger children use as play dough. The clay can be stored in an air-tight container for up to three days. Food coloring can also be used as a colorant.
This idea brought to you by Maggie Burgan.
