How to Make Your Own Homemade Play Dough

Make play dough in vivid colors.

If you have young children you can make your own play dough for use in modeling and play. Playing with play dough helps children learn to make shapes with their hands and enhances their imaginative abilities. Make play dough in vivid colors to engage young children. You don't even have to worry if children eat your homemade play dough -- it's non-toxic, edible and so salty they probably won't like the taste.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring
• Saucepan
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large saucepan.

2. Stir in oil, water and food coloring.

3. Heat over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until dough forms a ball.

4. Remove pan from heat once dough forms a ball. Turn dough out on table or counter top and allow to cool.

5. Knead dough until smooth.

6. Store play dough in a resealable plastic container or plastic zipper bag after each use and it will keep for months.

Tips & Warnings

• Cream of tartar can be found in the spice section of grocery stores.

• You may need up to a tablespoon of food coloring to make the color of the dough bright and vivid.

References

• Penn State University: Play Dough: The Best Recipe for Fun and Learning
• Bring Em Up.com: Make Your Own Play Dough or Plasticine