1-1/2 c. salt
1-1/2 c. flour
water to desired "dough" consistency
food coloring, optional (if not painting)
acrylic paints (washable paints do not work)
gloss finishing spray for shine
paint brushes
Mix the above ingredients, adding water a little at a time to desired dough consistency to handle and mold. Dough should not be wet.
If you want to color the dough, add a few drops as desired. You can separate the dough into a few balls and make each ball a different color.
Use a cookie cutter or use hands to mold or form as desired. Don't work the dough too much or the final outcome will be fragile and crumbly.
Lay pieces on a baking sheet.
Bake at 250 degrees for about 2 hours. Start checking after 1-1/2 hours. You don't want to under or over bake. They need to be hard and firm. They should not start to brown. Using a metal spatula when pan comes out of the oven, remove pieces to a wire rack or clean baking pan to cool.
When cool, paint as desired. When paint is dry, spray with a glossy finishing spray and let dry. If using colored dough, spray pieces as well to give them a nice shine.