How to Make Molding Clay

A variety of play dough recipes are available, but the best play dough generally requires a bit of cooking and a lot of kneading.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Food Coloring
• Essential Oils
• Medium Saucepans
• Plastic Bags
• Wooden Spoons
• 2 tbsp. cooking oil
• 3 c. flour
• 1 tbsp. cream of tartar
• 1 1/2 c. salt
• 3 c. water

1. Combine flour, salt, oil, cream of tartar and water in a medium-sized pan.
2. Add several drops of food coloring, if desired.
3. Put the pan on the stove and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Remove the dough from the heat when it forms a ball and can no longer be stirred.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly, then knead the dough until it is smooth.
6. Store the dough in an airtight container or plastic bag to keep it from drying out.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, add fragrance to the dough with a few drops of essence oil.
• Instead of food coloring, use one or two packages of Kool Aid to add both color and fragrance to the dough. Make sure the Kool Aid is unsweetened.
• For uncooked dough, mix 2 c. flour, 1 c. salt, 1 c. water, 1 tbsp. oil and a few drops of food coloring together. Knead until smooth.
• If the play dough dries out, add a bit of water or oil and knead it until soft and smooth again.