Homemade Play Dough

09Aug

Posted by Andrea

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. (Proverbs 12:14)

I’m not sure where it goes, but Play Dough disappears at our house. I suspect it’s hanging out with the lost socks and missing Tupperware lids!

Because the girls enjoy playing with it so much (and because it’s fun for me to make), I’ve started making my own. I find that when I make it myself it lasts much longer. Plus, I can customize the Play Dough with unique scents, wild colors, and sparkly glitter. Best of all, when I make it myself, I know exactly what’s in it.

Homemade Play Dough is easy to make. I usually triple the recipe, split it into sections, color it with cake decorating gel (achieves a more vibrant color than food coloring), and store it in clean, empty frosting containers.

This Play Dough also makes a great gift. When packaged decoratively and accompanied by kid friendly, child sized cookie cutters, this an inexpensive but fun birthday present!

Whether you’re giving it away or keeping it for yourself, homemade Play Dough is a great treat for little ones.

Basic Play Dough Recipe:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup salt
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Combine dry ingredients in a saucepan then stir in water and oil. Heat over medium heat and stir until thickened. (Mixture will resemble mashed potatoes.) Remove the pan from the heat and cool for about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until dry but pliable.

Photo: Courtesy of zanarodgers (Flickr)

Tags: gifts for kids, homemade, Play Dough