Sure, you can go out and buy Play-Doh brand or pick up some modeling clay, but that takes all the fun out of making your own play dough. Your kids will have just as much fun mixing up play dough as they do creating imaginative objects from it once it’s ready to go.
*Check out these easy recipes:
Simple, No Cook Play Dough
- ¾-cup table salt
- ¾-cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ¾-cup warm water
Pour table salt, flour, and cream of tartar into a mixing bowl. Slowly begin adding water, mixing gently as you go. The play dough should not be sticky, so you may not end up using all the water. However, if the dough is not quite soft enough, you may add a little more water a few drops at a time. Wet your hands and knead the dough into a soft ball. Store in an airtight container, but do not refrigerate.
Bake Style Play Dough
*You do not have to bake this play dough, but completed craft projects can be baked for a hard finish that may be painted.
- ¾-cup table salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- ¾-teaspoon alum
- 1 1/8-cup water
Pour dry ingredients into a mixing bowl, slowly stirring in water. Stir until dough is soft. As above, you can add a few drops of water if needed. Wet hands and knead into a ball. Divide the play dough and form into shapes. Objects may be baked in a 250 degree oven for 25-30 minutes in a clean baking pan or cookie sheet. Allow objects to cool completely before attempting to paint. If there are rough areas, use a clean scrub brush or fine grain sand paper to sand lightly. Wipe away sanding dust before painting.
Optional Items:
If you want to make colored play dough, you can add a few drops of your favorite food coloring to either recipe while mixing, or mix in a bit of unsweetened powdered drink mix for color and a nice fragrance.
Helpful Hint:
Spread out trash bags on play surfaces and floors before starting this project for easy clean up. Cheap, plastic shower curtain liners also work great for protecting your surfaces and floors during crafts.
*NOTE: These play dough recipes are not to be eaten.