Making your own play dough

Written By Rosie Snow
 

Some of you may come to class so you don’t have to do any of this yourself at home - and I can totally value that sentiment! Some of you may want to continue the sensory fun at home, especially on one of those days when you are struggling for how to spend a rainy day with the kids, or if you feel as though your little artists might be having some big feelings, need some help with self-regulating, or maybe just missing Ms. Rosie soooo much that you need to bring a little Pop Art! Kids into your home ;) Here’s the play dough recipe that I use for all the dough we use in class. I multiply this recipe by 8. Go big or go home guys. but if you prefer to make a small batch, I guess that’s fine…but I really suggest going big…maybe multiply it by 4. My biggest piece advice is to take it off the stove as soon as it starts to pull away from the sides of the pan and begins to form a ball. You don’t want to overcook it or it comes out dry. It will seem a bit sticky at first when you take it off the stove, but just start kneading it and it will loose that stickiness quick!

1 cup water
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
food coloring

Combine all the ingredients into a big non stick pot, start with dry ingredients and add the water in last. You can add in your food coloring after you add the water. Stir over medium heat until the dough starts to pull away from the sides then plop it onto the counter and start kneading the dough.

Include your kids in the mixing process! It’s a pretty forgiving recipe…let them help count the scoops of flour you use, help pour the salt, helps stir before putting it on the stove and then help selecting what color to use! If you want to get real crazy, you can add essential oils to make it scented.

After you have your finished dough, my kids love to play with it at the counter right away. it’s still warm so the texture is incredibly satisfying. Store in airtight containers, homemade dough lasts forever. 6+ months as long as it’s stored properly.

Some favorite tools & loose parts to use for dough:

 
Rosie Snow