Why Air Dry Clay Instead of Play-Doh?

Are you a teacher of young children, a parent or a grandparent?  You might want to read this article that I came across at PaperWorksOutlet.  The author points out some interesting benefits of using air-dry clay over PlayDoh when crafting with the kids.   The writer says:  "The best thing about the clay however, is

what you can do with it. It is very malleable and you can make absolutely anything with it. It also dries hard and the children can permanently keep any of the items they make with the clay."

Crayola Air-Dry Clay is also available in large 'classroom-size' packages.  A 25-lb box costs between $30 and $40, depending on where you're purchasing.   The manufacturer's description says it's...."Easy-to-use, nontoxic white clay. The clay makes solid, durable forms without need for baking in an oven or firing in a kiln. Smoother, finer and less sticky than traditional clay. Softens easily with water. Quickly cleans from hands and surfaces. Paint with tempera, acrylic or watercolors when dry."

Don't confuse Crayola Air-Dry Clay with Model Magic or Model Magic FUSION, which are also made by Crayola.   The Model Magic clays are very different in texture (and cost).  Both Model Magic and Fusion are available in colors and are softer and squishier than Crayola Air-Dry Clay. 

Personally, I like Crayola Air-Dry Clay and Model Magic for some adult crafts too.  The Crayola ADC is especially useful for making rocks and stucco for dollhouse embellishment because the texture (when cured) is slightly rough.  Model Magic has a similar consistency to cold porcelain, so it works great for modeling simple and cute figures.   Model Magic FUSION I find too sticky for my own projects.   Also, when cured, FUSION remains a bit soft and will dent easy.