i was looking at recipes of homemade clay and play dough, and most of them ask for cream of tartar. Does anyone know what i can use to replace this ingrident?

or know any GOOD recipes that don't use cream of tartar

(for a model, what would be better to use, clay or playdough?)

I don't think cream of tartar is necessary. I've made many batches of clay without it.

However, cream of tartar can be found in the spice section of most grocery stores.

Homemade clay is much less expensive than playdough or any other clay that you buy.

oh ok so i don't need cream of tartar.

can you please tell me what recipe you use for the clay :)
thanks a lot Ms.Sue

Frankly, I don't remember which one I used -- it's probably been 20 years. I suggest you choose one of the recipes and make a small batch to see how well it works.

A word on sugar cubes. They're a great idea, but I remember one student used sugar cubes for Hatshepsut's temple and it took her and her aunt many, many hours to complete it. It looked great -- but they hadn't counted on it being so time-consuming.

oh ok

i'm still not sure what to use,
i'll think on it

thanks :)

Cream of tartar is commonly used in homemade clay and play dough recipes because it acts as a stabilizer and helps prevent crystallization. If you don't have cream of tartar or prefer not to use it, there are a few alternatives you can try:

1. Lemon Juice: Substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice. Lemon juice has similar acidic properties and can help achieve the desired texture.

2. Vinegar: Use an equal amount of vinegar instead of cream of tartar. Like lemon juice, vinegar is acidic and can provide similar results in the recipe.

3. Baking Powder or Baking Soda: If the recipe calls for a small amount of cream of tartar, you can try replacing it with an equal amount of baking powder or baking soda. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly affect the texture and rise of the end product, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.

Regarding the choice between clay and play dough for modeling, it depends on your specific needs and preferences:

- Clay: Clay is more suitable for creating permanent models or sculptures as it can be fired in a kiln to harden and preserve the shape. There are different types of clay available, such as polymer clay or air-dry clay, each with its own characteristics and usage instructions.

- Play Dough: Play dough, on the other hand, is often made from non-toxic ingredients like flour, salt, water, and oil. It is softer, more pliable, and easier to mold than clay, making it a great choice for children or temporary creations. Play dough doesn't require baking or firing; it air dries or can be stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh for multiple uses.

Consider your intended purpose, durability requirements, and the age of the users when deciding between clay and play dough.