Have you ever wondered how to make your own eraser clay at home? It may sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple! With just a few basic household materials and a bit of creativity, you can create your own eraser clay in a variety of colors and shapes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to make eraser clay using glue – it’s easy, fun and perfect for kids and adults alike. So, grab your bowl and spoon, and let’s get started!
Materials You Will Need
Before you start making eraser clay with glue, you’ll need to gather a few key materials. Luckily, most of them are likely items you already have in your kitchen. To create your own eraser clay, you will need:
Glue. You can use any type of PVA glue for this project, but make sure that it is white glue and not clear glue. If you don’t have any on hand, you can learn how to make clear glue here or find glitter glue here.
Cornstarch. This will act as the solidifying agent for your eraser clay.
Food coloring. If you want to add a pop of color to your eraser clay, food coloring is a great option.
Bowl and Spoon. You’ll need a mixing bowl and a spoon to combine the glue and cornstarch.
Measuring Cups. You’ll need measuring cups to ensure that you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
Glue
To make eraser clay with glue, you will need a specific type of glue that is commonly found in most homes. PVA glue, or white school glue, is perfect for this craft. This type of glue is safe to use and easy to manipulate, making it ideal for this type of project.
Here are some points to keep in mind regarding the glue you will need for this project:
| Glue Type: | PVA Glue |
| Brand: | Elmer’s Glue-All Multi-Purpose Glue or any other PVA glue brand |
| Quantity: | ½ cup |
| Consistency: | Smooth and Runny |
There are several recipes online for making slime, glitter glue, fluffy glue, and snowflakes out of glitter glue that all require certain ingredients. However, this eraser clay recipe only requires glue, cornstarch, food coloring, water, a bowl, and a spoon. So, you don’t need to worry about buying any additional ingredients or specific types of glue.
Make sure that the glue you use has a smooth and runny consistency to ensure that the eraser clay is easy to manipulate and shape. Also, it is important to note that the quality of your eraser clay will depend on the quality of the glue used. Using a high-quality glue will give your eraser clay a smooth and pliable texture, making it easier to shape and mold.
Any PVA glue brand will work, but Elmer’s Glue-All Multi-Purpose Glue is a popular choice. Make sure to use a smooth and runny glue for best results.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a key ingredient in making eraser clay with glue. It is readily available at most grocery stores and is affordable. You will need about a ¼ cup of cornstarch for this recipe. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent and is what gives the eraser clay its pliable texture. It is important to measure the cornstarch accurately to avoid a clay that is too dry or too wet. Adding too much cornstarch will make the clay crumbly, while adding too little will make it too sticky.
Pro tip: Be sure to sift the cornstarch before adding it to the glue to remove any lumps. This will help you achieve a smoother texture.
When making eraser clay with glue, cornstarch should be mixed well with the glue to get the correct consistency. You can experiment with the amount of cornstarch you use, and adjust it accordingly to get the ideal texture for your project.
Cornstarch can also be used in a variety of other craft recipes. For example, if you want to make fluffy slime, you can combine cornstarch with glue, shaving cream, and contact lens solution. If you’re interested in making glitter glue, cornstarch can be used to thicken the glue and help it adhere better to surfaces. You can also use cornstarch to make snowflakes out of glitter glue!
Make sure to check out: how to make fluffy glue for another fun and easy craft project that uses cornstarch as one of its ingredients.
Food Coloring
Adding food coloring to your eraser clay is a great way to make it more visually appealing. You can choose any color you like, whether it be a bright and bold shade or a more subdued hue. Here are some tips for using food coloring in your eraser clay:
- Start with a small amount: It’s always best to add a little bit of food Coloring at a time to achieve your desired shade. A drop or two should be enough to add color to a small batch of eraser clay.
- Mix thoroughly: Be sure to mix the food coloring in well to ensure that the color is evenly distributed throughout the clay.
- Experiment with different colors: Try mixing different colors together to create unique shades for your eraser clay. You can even use food Coloring to create marbled effects by mixing multiple colors without fully incorporating them.
- Be cautious with liquids: Adding too much liquid to your eraser clay can cause it to become too soft or sticky. If you plan on adding a lot of food coloring, consider reducing the amount of cornstarch you use to keep the clay from becoming too wet.
If you’re a fan of DIY activities, you might want to try out some other fun projects that involve glue. For example, you can learn how to make slime with glitter glue or discover what glue wine is. Alternatively, you can try making slime with Sta-Flo and glue, snowflakes out of glitter glue, or slime with contact solution and glue. If you’re looking for a more artistic project, you can learn how to glue glitter or find out what poured glue diamond painting is.
Bowl and Spoon
When making eraser clay with glue, you will need a bowl and spoon to mix your ingredients. It’s important to use a non-reactive bowl, such as one made of plastic or ceramic, to prevent your clay mixture from sticking to the bowl or changing color. Additionally, you should use a spoon made of a non-porous material such as plastic or metal, to ensure that your clay mixture is mixed properly and evenly.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering which bowl and spoon to use:
- Choose a bowl that is large enough to hold all of your ingredients without overflowing.
- Make sure that your spoon is clean and dry before beginning to mix your ingredients.
- If you plan to reuse your bowl and spoon for future clay-making projects, designate them specifically for this purpose to avoid any cross-contamination with food or other substances.
- Avoid using wooden spoons or bowls, as these may absorb moisture from your ingredients and affect the consistency of your clay.
By using the right bowl and spoon, you’ll help ensure that your eraser clay turns out just right.
Measuring Cups
One of the crucial materials for making eraser clay with glue is measuring cups. Measuring cups are specially designed cups used for measuring the volume of liquid or solid ingredients accurately. This step is important because the correct measurements will ensure the clay is of the right consistency and texture.
Using measuring cups also saves time and avoids wastage, as it is proportional to the amount of eraser clay required.
Here are the measuring cups you’ll need:
| Measuring Cup | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 1/4 cup | for pouring glue into the mixing bowl |
| 1/2 cup | for measuring cornstarch |
| 1 tablespoon | for measuring food coloring |
Make sure to use the correct measuring cup for each ingredient to avoid any errors. Using a measuring cup provides consistent, accurate results, and prevents the eraser clay from becoming too sticky or dry.
Having measuring cups on hand is essential for this project, as it provides a stress-free and positive experience during the process. For best results, make sure to clean and dry them properly before and after using them.
Step-by-Step Guide
You’re ready to get started on making eraser clay with glue! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your own personalized erasers. With just a handful of materials, you can create a fun and functional craft project that will keep your creativity flowing. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to jump into the exciting world of DIY eraser making!
Step 1: Measure Out Ingredients
Before starting to make eraser clay with glue, you need to gather all the necessary ingredients. In this step, we will talk about how to measure out each ingredient accurately, so you end up with a perfect mixture.
Here’s a list of the ingredients you will need for making eraser clay with glue and the amount you will need for this recipe:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Glue | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 1/2 cups |
| Food Coloring | as needed |
You will also need a bowl and a spoon for mixing, as well as measuring cups for accurate measurement.
Make sure to measure out each ingredient carefully to get the right consistency and texture of the eraser clay. Using the right amount of cornstarch is crucial to make sure the clay isn’t too sticky or dry. Likewise, adding the appropriate amount of food coloring can help you achieve a vibrant and colorful eraser clay.
Gathering the right ingredients and measuring them accurately is the first step towards making eraser clay with glue. Once you have everything you need, you can move on to the next step of mixing the glue and cornstarch together.
Step 2: Mix Together Glue and Cornstarch
To make eraser clay with glue and cornstarch, you’ll need to mix the two ingredients together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Get a bowl and spoon. You’ll use these to mix the glue and cornstarch.
Step 2: Measure out 1/4 cup of glue and pour it into the bowl.
Step 3: Add 1/4 cup of cornstarch to the bowl as well.
Step 4: Use the spoon to mix the glue and cornstarch together until it forms a sticky, dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a pinch more cornstarch until it becomes easier to handle.
Step 5: Keep mixing until the two ingredients have combined thoroughly. You want the mixture to be smooth and free of any lumps.
Step 6: As you mix, you may notice that the mixture starts to harden and become more difficult to work with. If this happens, you can add a few drops of water to soften it up again.
Step 7: Once you’ve achieved the desired consistency, your clay is ready to be used!
Step 3: Add Food Coloring
Now that you have mixed your glue and cornstarch into a pliable dough, it is time to add some color! Adding food coloring to your eraser clay will allow you to create unique and personalized erasers.
Follow these steps to add food coloring to your clay:
Step 1: Decide on the color you want to add to your clay and gather the appropriate food coloring. Gel food coloring tends to work the best, but liquid food coloring can also be used.
Step 2: Place your dough on a smooth, flat surface. Using a dropper or toothpick, add a few drops of food coloring to the center of the dough.
Step 3: Begin kneading the dough with your hands, folding the dough over and over again until the food coloring is evenly distributed. If the color is not vibrant enough, add more drops and continue kneading.
Step 4: Keep in mind that the more food coloring you add, the more likely it is to stain your hands and other surfaces. So, be careful when handling the colored dough.
Step 5: Once you are satisfied with the color of your clay, you can move on to the next step of shaping and drying it into an eraser.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to test your erasers on a small area before using them on important work. This will help you avoid any potential issues with the color transferring to your paper or other surfaces. So, have fun experimenting with different colors and creating your own unique erasers.
Step 4: Knead Clay into a Ball
Now that you’ve added your food coloring to your glue and cornstarch mixture, it’s time to get your hands dirty and knead it into a ball. This step is important because it will help ensure that the consistency of the eraser clay is just right. Here are the steps to follow:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Use your hands to gather all the glue and cornstarch mixture from the bowl into a ball. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to get everything. |
| Step 2 | Knead the ball of eraser clay with your hands for a few minutes to really work the ingredients together. You may need to add a bit more cornstarch if it’s too sticky or more glue if it’s too dry. |
| Step 3 | Continue kneading until the eraser clay is smooth and has a playdough-like consistency. It should be stretchy and moldable. |
Remember not to overdo it with the cornstarch – adding too much will make the clay brittle and difficult to shape. Likewise, if you add too much glue, the mixture will be too sticky to mold. Finding the right consistency may require some experimentation, so don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.
Once your eraser clay is the right consistency, you can move on to the final step of shaping and drying it.
Step 5: Shape and Dry Eraser Clay
Now that you have kneaded the eraser clay into a ball, the next step is to shape and dry it. This is where your creativity can take over! You can shape the eraser clay into any form you like, such as animals, flowers, or even a miniature fruit bowl. Keep in mind that the eraser clay will shrink slightly as it dries, so make your shapes slightly larger than what you ultimately want.
Shaping the Eraser Clay:
To shape the eraser clay, take a small piece and mold it with your hands. Use tools like toothpicks or a small knife to create finer details. If the eraser clay becomes too hard to mold, add a few drops of water and knead it in. Make sure to reshape the clay to its desired form before leaving it to dry.
Drying the Eraser Clay:
To dry the eraser clay, you can either air-dry or bake it. If air-drying, place the eraser clay shapes on a clean, flat surface, and let them dry for a couple of days. It’s important to turn the shapes every few hours to ensure they dry evenly.
If baking, preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and place the eraser clay shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the shapes feel dry and firm. Let them cool completely before using them.
Customizing the Eraser Clay Shapes:
If you want to get even more creative, you can customize the eraser clay shapes by adding details like dots, lines or textures with tools or by pressing found objects like leaves or fabric onto the clay. You can also paint the eraser clay shapes with acrylic paint to give them a more vibrant look.
Remember, the more you practice making eraser clay, the more comfortable you will feel exploring different shapes and designs. So get creative and have fun!
Tips and Tricks
As you begin crafting with eraser clay, you may find that certain techniques work better than others or that you have some leftover clay that needs to be stored properly. To help you make the most out of your eraser clay crafting experience, we’ve compiled some helpful tips and tricks. By following these suggestions, you can ensure that your eraser clay creations are top-quality and that you have a great time making them. Take note of these tips and tricks to enhance your crafting skills and to ensure your eraser clay lasts a long time.
Store Unused Portion in an Airtight Container
After making your eraser clay, you may find yourself with some leftover. It’s important to properly store any unused portion to prevent it from drying out or becoming unusable.
Airtight Container
The best way to store your eraser clay is in an airtight container. This will prevent any air from getting in and drying out the clay. You can use a plastic container with a tight-sealing lid, or a ziplock bag with the air squeezed out.
Label the Container
Additionally, make sure to label the container with the date and contents, so you know how long it has been stored for. This will also prevent any confusion if you have multiple types of eraser clay.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
It’s also important to store your eraser clay in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can cause the clay to become sticky or mushy, making it difficult to use. Store the container in a cupboard or drawer away from any direct sunlight or heat.
Use within a Month
Eraser clay is best used within a month of making it. After this time, it may become too dry or hard to manipulate. If you find that your eraser clay is becoming too dry, you can add a small amount of water and knead it back to a usable consistency.
Storing your unused eraser clay properly will ensure that it stays fresh and usable for as long as possible. Just make sure to mark the container with the date and contents, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and use it within a month for best results.
Don’t Add Too Much Cornstarch
When making eraser clay with glue, it’s important to pay attention to the amount of cornstarch you’re adding to the mixture. While cornstarch is essential for giving the clay its texture and consistency, too much of it can make the clay dry and crumbly. Here are some tips to help you avoid adding too much cornstarch:
- Start with small amounts: It’s always better to add a little bit of cornstarch at a time and gradually increase the amount until you achieve the desired consistency. Don’t rush the process by adding too much cornstarch at once.
- Use measuring cups: Rather than eyeballing the amount of cornstarch you’re adding to the mixture, use measuring cups to ensure you’re adding the right amount. This will help you avoid adding too much cornstarch and throwing off the balance of ingredients.
- Adjust as needed: If you find that you’ve added too much cornstarch and your clay is too dry or crumbly, don’t panic. Simply add a small amount of glue to the mixture to help loosen it up and make it more malleable. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of water if the mixture is too dry.
Remember, the key to making eraser clay with glue is to strike the right balance between the ingredients. While cornstarch is an important component, adding too much of it can ruin the texture and make the clay difficult to work with. By following these tips and being mindful of how much cornstarch you’re adding, you can create a perfect batch of eraser clay that’s perfect for shaping and molding into whatever design you desire.
Experiment with Different Colors and Shapes
One of the best things about making eraser clay with glue is that it allows for endless possibilities when it comes to creating different colors and shapes. Experimenting with the clay can be a great way to exercise your creativity and make something truly unique.
To start, add small amounts of food coloring to the clay until you achieve your desired hue. If you’re worried about adding too much, start with a drop or two and gradually add more until you get the color you want. Remember to mix the coloring thoroughly so that the color is evenly distributed throughout the clay.
Another fun way to experiment with eraser clay is to try different shapes. Using cookie cutters or clay molds can help you create shapes that are uniform and consistent. Or, try shaping the clay by hand to make a one-of-a-kind creation.
When it comes to drying the clay, don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to simple, flat shapes. Get creative with how you shape the clay and how you dry it. For example, you can drape the clay over a small object to create a curved shape, or use a toothpick to create intricate details and patterns on the surface.
Overall, experimenting with different colors and shapes is a great way to make your eraser clay creations stand out. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and have fun with the process!
The following table shows some different materials that can be used to shape the eraser clay:
| Material | Result |
|---|---|
| Cookies Cutters | Uniform Shapes |
| Clay Molds | Consistent Shapes |
| Toothpicks | Intricate Details and Patterns |
| Small Objects | Curved Shapes |
Conclusion
After following these simple steps, you should now have a batch of homemade eraser clay made with glue and cornstarch. This fun and easy craft is perfect for children and adults alike, and can be customized to fit any individual’s creativity style. With just a few basic materials, you can make a variety of eraser clay shapes and designs to use as erasers or as decorative items.
Remember that it is important to store any unused clay in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Additionally, be careful not to add too much cornstarch to the mixture, as this can result in a crumbly texture rather than a smooth, moldable clay.
Experiment with different colors and shapes to create unique and personalized erasers for all your school and office needs. This is a great way to save money on erasers while also having fun and expressing creativity. So why not give it a try and see what you can come up with? Happy crafting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of glue?
It’s best to use white school glue, as other types may not have the same consistency and could result in a less successful outcome.
Q: Do I need to use cornstarch?
Yes, cornstarch is a key ingredient in making eraser clay and helps to give it its moldable texture.
Q: Can I use food coloring to make different colors?
Absolutely! Adding food coloring to the clay mixture is a great way to create a variety of colors to your liking.
Q: How long does it take for the clay to dry?
It usually takes around 24 hours for the clay to completely dry and become firm enough to use as an eraser.
Q: Can I speed up the drying process?
You can try microwaving the clay for short intervals on low power to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to overheat or burn the clay.
Q: Is it safe to use as an eraser?
Yes, as long as all of the ingredients are non-toxic and safe for children to use. However, it may not erase as well as store-bought erasers.
Q: How long does the clay last once made?
If stored in an airtight container, the eraser clay can last for several weeks to a few months.
Q: Can I add glitter or other embellishments?
Absolutely! Adding glitter, confetti or other small embellishments can add a fun touch to your eraser clay.
Q: Is it reusable?
Yes, the eraser clay can be reused multiple times, simply knead it until it becomes pliable again.
Q: Can I use this recipe to make erasers in different shapes?
Definitely! The beauty of making your own eraser clay is the ability to mold it into any shape you want.