BAKED CLAY 

(a fun recipe for the entire family)

What you need:
4 cups flour 
1 cup salt 
1 1/4 cup warm water (start with 1 1/4 of water and only add a bit more water if needed, for a smooth dough) 
food coloring
paints
shellac - for shine and sealing
paint brushes
(glitter and glue - optional) 

DIRECTIONS: Mix together the first 3 ingredients and knead until dough is smooth and well-mixed. Add food coloring, if desired. Make different shapes by rolling out the dough and using cookie cutters or shape objects with your fingers (be creative), press onto baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees until golden. Let cool. Paint, decorate, and then seal with a shellac or lacquer. Note: If cracks appear while baking, just patch the cracks with some dough and continue baking. *If this is an ornament, don't forget to make a whole for the string before baking. Just use the end of a straw! Remember, be creative and make all sorts of animals and objects. 

Oh, if your hands get sticky, just rub on some flour. 

NOTE: Kids should NEVER bake alone.