How to Make a Clay Volcano Pt. 1

First, you need some crazy kids. Any number will do, but they must be crazy. Trust me on this.

Next, you need a large mixing bowl, a large cookie sheet covered in foil*, a slender glass vase or glass beaker, flour, salt, and water (not shown).

*This volcano is planned to erupt and so putting it on a cookie sheet with a slight lip will keep all hot lava contained.

Four cups of flour.

One cup of salt.

One and a half cups of water.

Now, have one or all of the crazy kids you've gathered mix the ingredients with their hands. You will probably need to add a little more water as ours was a bit dry. Just remember, you can keep adding some but once you add too much you can't take any away. You could add a bit more flour if you add too much water, but you don't want to get the flour/salt ratio too off.

After all that kneading, plop that dough on the cookie sheet and let the crazies form it around the vase into the shape of a volcano. The beauty is that no volcano looks the same. This is all theirs.

Then, when you realize that the vase is way to big, mix another batch of clay but halfing the recipe because you don't have enough ingredients. Be thankful it all works out.

Now, let volcano sit for a couple of days to dry. And good luck keeping your crazies from messing with it.

Bridget