Preparation: 20 minutes. Planning: Can prepare ahead. Yield: 2 cups.

1 lb. baking soda
1 c. cornstarch
1 1/4 c. water
Food coloring, optional

Mix soda and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Add water and food coloring, if desired. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture resembles mashed potatoes. Remove from heat; cover with damp cloth. When clay is cool enough to handle, it is ready to use. Store clay in a sealed, plastic bag. Clay may be dried and painted with tempera paint.