Turn a Hand Into A Keepsake Turkey

Everyone knows a hand makes a great turkey. So, why not use the cornstarch dough we used to make ghosts to whip up a few “handprint turkey keepsakes.” Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup Corn Starch
• 1 pound (2 cups) baking soda
• 1-1/4 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon light colored vegetable Oil
• a hands
• waxed paper
• cookie sheet
• feathers
• red string
• glue gun

1. In medium saucepan stir corn starch and baking soda. Add water and oil all at once and stir until smooth.
2. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until mixture reaches the consistency of SLIGHTLY dry mashed potatoes. (Mixture will come to a boil, then start to thicken, first in lumps and then in a thick mass; it should hold its shape). If clay is overcooked, ghosts may crack.
3. Turn out onto waxed paper, on top of cookie sheet, cover with damp cloth; cool.
4. When cool enough to handle, dust surface with corn starch; knead until smooth and pliable. If not using immediately, store completely cooled clay in tightly closed plastic bag or container.
5. Roll into a flat disc, about 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick on the waxed paper. Carefully, have your child place his hand into the disc — not too hard — just right.
6. Once you have your finished handprint, carefully, use a butter knife to cleanly cut away the edges.
7. Move cookie sheet to a high place — safe from the children — to dry for a couple of days.
8. When dry, label the backs of your turkeys with the year and child.
9. Use glue gun to put feathers and wattle in place.
10. Store un-shaped Play Clay in an airtight container OR heavy plastic bag in a cool place up to 2 weeks. Knead stored clay until smooth before using.