Permanently air dries in 24 hours without kiln firing or baking. It is clean to work with and won't stick to or stain skin and most clothing. Easily washable from carpets. It doesn't flake or crumble, so little cleanup is required. Modeling compound is soft, pliable and lightweight for easy manipulation. It dries to a firm consistency. Pieces can be joined easily. Decorative materials can be added by inserting them in the piece before drying or by gluing afterward. Dried pieces can be painted using markers, tempera, watercolor and enamels.