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Clay Slime Recipe (No Borax)

Learn how to make clay slime with this step-by-step guide. Perfect blend of creativity and sensory play for endless fun and customization.

Skills Required: None. You’re mixing ingredients in a container, and no crafting skills are required for this project.

clay slime

Today I’m excited to share a new kids’ craft that’s both fun and a little bit squishy – making clay slime. This isn’t your garden-variety slime; it’s a unique blend that combines the stretchy joy of traditional slime with the soft, moldable texture of modeling clay.

Imagine the endless possibilities of shapes, colors, and textures you can create with this fantastic duo.

If you’ve never made slime, don’t worry. It’s not complicated. Our tutorial is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. We’re going back to basics with some household staples – school glue, baking soda, contact lens solution, and a bit of water.

But here’s where we add a twist: by incorporating modeling clay and a dash of, we transform ordinary slime into an extraordinary clay-infused creation. This addition not only enriches the texture but also opens up new avenues for creativity, making it a perfect craft for all ages.

clay in slime

Whether you’re looking for a fun boredom buster to share with the kids, a stress-reliever, or just a creative way to spend an afternoon, you’ll enjoy this craft. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce the concept of sensory play, which can be both calming and beneficial for fine motor skills.

Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this exciting journey into the world of clay in slime. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation the kids will love. Welcome to the fun, imaginative, and slightly sticky world of clay slime making!

Tips for Making Slime

If you’ve never made slime before, here are some great tips you might be interested in. If you don’t need them, head on down to the recipe.

Measure Ingredients Precisely

The key to perfect slime is in the details. Measuring your ingredients as accurately as possible can make the difference between slime that’s just right and a recipe that’s too sticky or too brittle.

Add Mix Ins Slowly

If you’re adding color, glitter, or other fun elements, add them slowly and mix thoroughly to see the effect. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there.

clay with slime

Adjust Texture as Needed

If your slime is too sticky, add a little more activator (like borax solution, liquid starch, or saline solution). If it’s too stiff, add more glue or a bit of water. Do this gradually!

Use Supplies You Don’t Mind Getting Messy

Slime can get everywhere, and while it’s usually easy to clean up, it’s best to use tools (bowls and utensils) and surfaces you’re not worried about.

Use Your Hands

Once the slime begins to form, use your hands to knead it. This helps improve the texture and mix everything evenly. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

Storage is Key

Keep your slime in an airtight container when not in use. This will help it last longer and prevent it from drying out.

Safety First

Always use safe, non-toxic ingredients, and if you’re crafting with younger kids, make sure they’re supervised, especially with ingredients like borax.

diy clay slime

Slime making is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. Enjoy your crafting! Here’s what you’re going to need:

Gather These Supplies

  • 1/2 cup of Elmer’s school glue
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Food coloring
  • 2 oz of soft modeling clay
  • 2 Tbsp of contact lens solution

Tips and Thoughts for This Craft

Store your slime in an airtight container or baggie. If your slime gets stiff, you can try to add a little water – lotion – hand sanitizer – or even a bit more glue to soften and reactivate it.

butter clay slime

I can’t believe how soft and smooth this slime is! Your kids will love it. Get the recipe below:

Yield: 3/4 cup

Clay Slime

diy clay slime

Learn how to make soft butter slime with clay! You can easily customize the colors of this recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • 1/2 cup Elmer's school glue
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • Food coloring
  • 2 oz soft modeling clay
  • 2 Tbsp contact lens solution

Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Stir stick

Instructions

  1. Add the glue to the mixing bowl. Make sure to get all the glue out of the measuring cup.Pouring half a cup of glue into a container
  2. Add the water to the glue.Adding half a cup of water to the glue
  3. Add baking soda to the water and glue.Adding baking soda to the glue and water
  4. Add contact lens solution to the glue, water, and baking soda.Adding contact lens solution to the water, glue, and baking soda mixture
  5. Stir the ingredients in the bowl with a stir stick until combined.mixing the glue mixture with the stir stick
  6. Take a hunk of clay and start mixing it into the glue. You'll need to use your hands.mixing the clay into the glue mixture
  7. Continue kneading the clay into the slime until it's completely combined to finish.Finished ball of clay slime in a person's hands

Notes

Costs for this craft will vary - if you make a lot of slime like we do and buy the ingredients in bulk, it can cost pennies!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


I hope you enjoyed this fun activity! Please let me know what you think in the comments. I’d love it if you’d go check our other slime posts:

Laundry DetergentGlitterGlow in the DarkHalloweenPlay DohSlime Shops

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