Home & Garden: Lint Clay

While we don't have an actual project made from lint clay to show you, lint clay seems like one of those vaguely tacky ideas that belongs on this site.

We also like the idea of recycling something useless into something interesting. After all, we all produce lint when we dry our clothes and it's galling to throw it away - it's from clothing we paid good money for! Why not stockpile your lint, preserve your investment, and have some fun at the same time?

Recipe #1

Supplies:

• 1 1/2 C lint from the dryer
• 1 C water
• 1/2 C regular flour
• 2 drops wintergreen mint flavoring
• Newspaper

Making and using it:

• Place lint in a saucepan and cover it with the water.
• When the lint is saturated, add the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth.
• Add the flavoring. (This is to help it smell better - for God's sake, don't try eating this mess!)
• Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it forms peaks and holds together.
• Pour it onto the newspaper to cool.
• Shape and model figures, or cover a form with it, such as a balloon, armature, etc.
• Allow to dry for 3 - 5 days, then paint and decorate as required.
• Stand back and wait to be contacted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Recipe #2

Supplies:

• 2 cups firmly packed dryer lint
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 6 tablespoons white glue
• 1 tablespoon clear dishwashing liquid
• Food coloring

Making and using it:

• Put lint into a mixing bowl.
• Add the other ingredients.
• Mix thoroughly. When you can no longer mix, knead with hands until of a uniform texture.
• Shape and model figures or cover an armature with it, as above.