Product Overview
Crayola Air-Dry Clay is a natural, white earth clay designed to harden without the need for a kiln or oven. Its smooth, pliable texture can be easily softened with water, making it suitable for various modeling techniques. Once dry, creations can be painted or varnished. This 5-pound bucket is ideal for creative projects at home or in group settings.
Image: Front view of the Crayola Air Dry Clay bucket, showing the brand logo and "Air-Dry Clay WHITE" label.
What's Included
- One 5-pound (2.26 kg) resealable bucket of Crayola Air-Dry Clay (White)
Key Features
- Air-Drying: Hardens without baking or firing.
- Smooth & Pliable: Easy to mold and sculpt.
- Water Softenable: Can be softened with water for easier manipulation.
- Paintable: Dried creations can be decorated with various paints.
- Resealable Bucket: Convenient for storage and maintaining clay freshness.
Image: Diagram illustrating key features of Crayola Air Dry Clay, including its resealable bucket, ease of use, paintability, smooth texture, and suitability for various projects.
Preparation and Use
1. Preparing the Clay
Remove the desired amount of clay from the resealable bucket. If the clay feels too firm, add a small amount of water and knead it until it reaches a workable consistency. The clay is designed to be smoother and less sticky than traditional clay.
2. Modeling Techniques
Crayola Air-Dry Clay can be used with various modeling techniques, including:
- Pinch: Shaping small pieces by pinching and pulling.
- Coil: Rolling clay into ropes and coiling them to build forms.
- Slab: Flattening clay into sheets and cutting/joining them.
- Score-and-Weld: Roughening surfaces and applying water to join pieces securely.
You can also create stamped impressions, beads, or embed found objects into the clay.
Image: A child's hands actively molding a piece of Crayola Air Dry Clay, demonstrating its pliability.
3. Drying Process
Allow your sculpted creations to air dry completely. Drying time is approximately 2-3 days, but can vary depending on the size and thickness of the sculpture, as well as environmental humidity. No oven or kiln is required.
Image: Two flat pieces of Crayola Air Dry Clay with leaf and seashell impressions, one partially painted blue, illustrating creative possibilities.
Finishing and Decoration
Once your clay creation is completely dry and hard, it can be painted with watercolors, tempera, or acrylic paints. You may also apply varnish for a protective finish and enhanced appearance.
Image: A colorful fish sculpture made from Crayola Air Dry Clay, painted blue and orange, with a paintbrush and paint palette nearby.
Care and Storage
To keep unused clay fresh and pliable, always return it to the resealable bucket and ensure the lid is securely closed. Store in a cool, dry place. If the clay becomes too dry, it can often be rehydrated by kneading in small amounts of water.
Image: Back view of the Crayola Air Dry Clay bucket, displaying product information, safety warnings, and care instructions.
Safety Information
- Age Recommendation: Suitable for ages 6 and up.
- Non-Toxic: Crayola Air-Dry Clay is non-toxic.
- Latex Allergy Warning: Product has come into direct contact with latex. Individuals with latex allergies should avoid use.
- Choking Hazard: Not suitable for children under 36 months due to small parts which may cause a choking hazard if swallowed.
- Staining: Clay may stain porous or unfinished surfaces. Protect work areas.
Troubleshooting
Clay is too dry or crumbly:
Gradually add small amounts of water and knead the clay until it regains its pliable consistency. Ensure the lid is sealed tightly after each use to prevent drying.
Cracks appear during drying:
Cracks can occur in very thick pieces or if drying too quickly. To minimize cracking, ensure uniform thickness in your sculpture. For existing cracks, moisten the area and smooth with fresh clay or a clay slip (very watery clay).
Finished piece is not hard enough:
Ensure the clay has had sufficient time to air dry completely, typically 2-3 days. Thicker sections may require longer drying periods. The clay should feel solid and firm when fully dry.
Product Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Crayola |
| Model Number | CYO575055 |
| Color | White (dries white from a natural earth tone) |
| Material | Clay |
| Item Weight | 5.36 pounds (2.44 Kilograms) |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 6.12 inches |
| Recommended Age | 6 - 15 years |
| Special Feature | Air Drying |
Additional Resources
Official Product Videos
Video: A user demonstrating the conditioning of Crayola Air Dry Clay, showing its texture and pliability. This video highlights how the clay can be worked and prepared for sculpting.
Video: A demonstration of Crayola Air Dry Clay being molded into various shapes, emphasizing its ease of use and air-drying properties. The video shows the clay being shaped by hand.
Video: A review of Crayola Air Dry Clay, showcasing its texture and how it can be used for creative projects. The video demonstrates the clay's workability and final dried state.
Video: A creative activity demonstration using Crayola Air Dry Clay, showing various ways to engage with the product for artistic expression. The video highlights the versatility of the clay for different projects.
Warranty and Support
Crayola guarantees the quality of all Crayola products. If this product does not perform properly, please contact Crayola customer service for assistance.
Contact Information:
- U.S.A. & Canada: 1-800-CRAYOLA (1-800-272-9652), M-F 9 AM-4 PM ET.
- Australia: 1-800-657-353, M-F 9 AM-4 PM AEST.
- France: +33 (0) 1 41 06 54 54, U.C. 91702 SERGY.
- Germany: +49 6151 862 222, M-F 9 AM-5 PM local time.
- Mexico: 01800 71 78 222.
- Italy: +39 (0) 543 728997, M-F 9 AM-5 PM local time.
For additional tips and project ideas, visit Crayola.com.
