Directions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the baking soda and cornstarch and add the water, stirring constantly. Mixture will become thin and smooth at first. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is too thick to stir. Turn the mixture out onto a cookie sheet to cool, covering with a damp cloth. When cool, knead until smooth.

Store the mixture in a tightly closed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To use, items can be molded by either shaping the clay with your hands, rolling out and cutting the clay with a cookie cutter, or by pushing the clay through a cookie or garlic press.

The clay will harden at room temperature, depending on the size of the object. Most items are dry after 24 hours. If desired, you can preheat the oven to 350, turn it off, and put the clay in to speed up drying, turning the pieces occasionally.

After drying, smooth off any rough edges with an emery board. Because this clay is especially absorbent, more than one coat of varnish or shellac will be necessary.