We just purchased air dry clay to use in the classroom. Any tips?
Teachers or kids never worked with clay before so any tips would be helpful. The clay that we have is a 25 lbs box, white and air dry modeling clay, talc-tree. Under directions, it says to coat with shellac to give some strength and to seal it from moisture. It also says that it can be used in a ceramic kiln if we desire to make permanent products. We do not have a ceramic kiln.
We simply want our kids to experiment with clay, create something and allow it to dry to harden. After it hardens, we want them to be able to paint it. I plan to experiment with it this weekend to see how long it takes to dry etc..
Any tips or further information that I should know??
After it’s painted, all air-dry clays should be sealed with something for protection. Many things besides shellac can be used. The sealing is something you should probably do yourself if the children are young.
Some air-dry clays can be painted before they are fully cured, but it’s best to let the items air-dry for at least a day or two before painting so they won’t be so fragile.
Most air-dry clays will stick to itself if you dampen the parts you want to attach, however, good ole white Elmer’s Glue can also be used to assemble parts (or patch broken pieces). Toothpicks can be inserted for joint strength.
Come join our Air-Dry-Clay Yahoo Group for lots of tips and inspiration! 
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