Clay softener

Clay Softener?

Clay softener is essentially what it looks to be: a clay or liquid that when mixed with another clay makes it softer. I have found a loophole around these cosiderably expensive products. Yep! Baby oil. Its super cheap and works just as well as any brandname product. You simply mix the two products together until you have the consistency you want, and viola! Softened clay! And with a lot of oil, one may mix the clay into a lovely faux frosting or sauce, replacing also expensive liquid clay. Warning: Using a lot of oil (For frosting) sometimes tends make the clay a little stringy after it has set for a couple days, so if you want best results, use the (very) softened clay the day you mix it! If you want to use the mixture over a duration of time, make the "sauce" in a container with a lid and place one extra drop of oil on the mix before sealing and storing. It will look a little "separated"when you use it next, but after you mix it back up, it should be fine.

Along with baby oil, scented oils work well. I have used scented candle oil and scented soap oil, also relativity inexpensive in comparison ($2.5 at Hobby Lobby) to clay softener (and not to mention completely awesome and delicious!). Both work well and give a fun dimension to any project. Note: You don't need a lot of oil so I highly recommend purchasing a travel size bottle ( $1 at Target and Meijer). Also: I want to warn you about a strange occurrence I had. While mixing Candle oil and clay in a small plastic container, I noticed after a few days the the very thin plastic part started the become "bendy" and pliable. I recommend using a plastic container at least 1/10 inches thick or another durable type of canister. I often use old plastic contact cases for mixing faux sauces and frostings for miniature food. They're perfect for storing and are just the right size for most of my projects.  Enjoy your Thrifty Crafting!