Difference between revisions of "Make Safe and Easy Play Dough"
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Playing with play dough is an activity that children of all ages love. But if you're concerned about the ingredients in store-bought play dough, you may want to try mixing up a batch at home. Not only are homemade versions play dough made from safe, natural ingredients, they're easy and fun to make so you get the kids involved. You can a homemade play dough that only requires two ingredients, use items from your pantry that don't require any cooking, or use food-grade ingredients that are heated on the stove top, so you always have a supply ready to go. | Playing with play dough is an activity that children of all ages love. But if you're concerned about the ingredients in store-bought play dough, you may want to try mixing up a batch at home. Not only are homemade versions play dough made from safe, natural ingredients, they're easy and fun to make so you get the kids involved. You can a homemade play dough that only requires two ingredients, use items from your pantry that don't require any cooking, or use food-grade ingredients that are heated on the stove top, so you always have a supply ready to go. | ||
| − | [[Category:Play Dough]] | + | [[Category: Play Dough]] |
== Ingredients == | == Ingredients == | ||
=== Two Ingredient Play Dough === | === Two Ingredient Play Dough === | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Preparing Two Ingredient Play Dough === | === Preparing Two Ingredient Play Dough === | ||
| − | #Squirt the paint into the cornstarch. Add 2 large, heaping tablespoons (18 to 20 g) of cornstarch to a medium size bowl. Squirt some tempera paint in your chosen color into the cornstarch. There’s no exact measurement for the paint -- add what looks like enough to help form a dough with the cornstarch.<ref>http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/play-dough-video/</ref> | + | #Squirt the paint into the cornstarch. Add 2 large, heaping tablespoons (18 to 20 g) of cornstarch to a medium size bowl. Squirt some tempera paint in your chosen color into the cornstarch. There’s no exact measurement for the paint -- add what looks like enough to help form a dough with the cornstarch.<ref name="rf1">http://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-for-kids/play-dough-video/</ref> |
#*Don’t worry about adding too much or too little paint. You can mix in more of the paint or cornstarch as you go to get the right consistency. | #*Don’t worry about adding too much or too little paint. You can mix in more of the paint or cornstarch as you go to get the right consistency. | ||
| − | #Mix the ingredients until a paste forms. With a plastic spoon, carefully mix the cornstarch and paint together to combine them. Continue mixing until they form a thick paste that clings to the spoon.<ref | + | #Mix the ingredients until a paste forms. With a plastic spoon, carefully mix the cornstarch and paint together to combine them. Continue mixing until they form a thick paste that clings to the spoon.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If the dough is too dry and crumbly, mix in more paint. | #*If the dough is too dry and crumbly, mix in more paint. | ||
#*If the dough is too wet, mix in a little more cornstarch. | #*If the dough is too wet, mix in a little more cornstarch. | ||
| − | #Knead the dough with your hands. Once the dough has formed a paste, set the spoon aside. Use your hands to gently knead the dough to remove any lumps. When you’re finished kneading, roll the dough into a ball and start playing.<ref | + | #Knead the dough with your hands. Once the dough has formed a paste, set the spoon aside. Use your hands to gently knead the dough to remove any lumps. When you’re finished kneading, roll the dough into a ball and start playing.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*If the play dough is leaving paint on your hands as you knead it, sprinkle some cornstarch on a piece of wax paper and roll the play dough through it. Knead it again to help mix in the cornstarch. | #*If the play dough is leaving paint on your hands as you knead it, sprinkle some cornstarch on a piece of wax paper and roll the play dough through it. Knead it again to help mix in the cornstarch. | ||
| − | #Repeat the process with as many paint colors as you’d like. Because the play dough only has two ingredients, you can only make one color at time. Complete the steps for each shade of play dough that you want to make.<ref | + | #Repeat the process with as many paint colors as you’d like. Because the play dough only has two ingredients, you can only make one color at time. Complete the steps for each shade of play dough that you want to make.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*You can create custom shades of play dough by mixing two or more paint shades into the cornstarch. | #*You can create custom shades of play dough by mixing two or more paint shades into the cornstarch. | ||
#*Be sure to store the play dough in an airtight container, such as a plastic zipper bag, when you’re not playing with it. It should keep for several months. | #*Be sure to store the play dough in an airtight container, such as a plastic zipper bag, when you’re not playing with it. It should keep for several months. | ||
=== Creating No-Cook Play Dough === | === Creating No-Cook Play Dough === | ||
| − | #Combine the salt and flour. Add 1 cup (300 g) of salt and 3 cups (375 g) of all-purpose flour to a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to mix the two together until they’re fully combined.<ref>http://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/no-cook-play-dough-recipe-2830</ref> | + | #Combine the salt and flour. Add 1 cup (300 g) of salt and 3 cups (375 g) of all-purpose flour to a large bowl. Use a wooden spoon to mix the two together until they’re fully combined.<ref name="rf2">http://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/recipes/no-cook-play-dough-recipe-2830</ref> |
#*If you want to make gluten-free play dough, substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour. | #*If you want to make gluten-free play dough, substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour. | ||
| − | #Mix in the oil. After you’ve combined the salt and flour, pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil into the bowl. Stir the mixture until the oil is fully incorporated.<ref | + | #Mix in the oil. After you’ve combined the salt and flour, pour 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil into the bowl. Stir the mixture until the oil is fully incorporated.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*You can substitute canola oil for the vegetable oil if you prefer. | #*You can substitute canola oil for the vegetable oil if you prefer. | ||
| − | #Add water and knead the dough. When the flour, salt, and oil mixture is fully combined, gradually begin to pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water into the bowl. Stir the mixture well until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Set the spoon aside, and use your hands to knead it the rest of the way so it’s as smooth as possible.<ref | + | #Add water and knead the dough. When the flour, salt, and oil mixture is fully combined, gradually begin to pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water into the bowl. Stir the mixture well until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Set the spoon aside, and use your hands to knead it the rest of the way so it’s as smooth as possible.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*If the play dough is too wet and sticky, add more flour. | #*If the play dough is too wet and sticky, add more flour. | ||
#*If the play dough is too dry and crumbly, add more water. | #*If the play dough is too dry and crumbly, add more water. | ||
| − | #Divide the play dough and mix in the food coloring. Once the play dough is the right consistency, separate it into balls based on how many colors you want. Add several drops of food coloring in your chosen shades to each ball, and knead the dough until the color is uniform.<ref>http://non-toxickids.net/2011/06/how-to-make-your-own-play-dough.html</ref> | + | #Divide the play dough and mix in the food coloring. Once the play dough is the right consistency, separate it into balls based on how many colors you want. Add several drops of food coloring in your chosen shades to each ball, and knead the dough until the color is uniform.<ref name="rf3">http://non-toxickids.net/2011/06/how-to-make-your-own-play-dough.html</ref> |
#*To keep the play dough from drying out, store it in a plastic zipper bag or other airtight container when it isn’t in use. | #*To keep the play dough from drying out, store it in a plastic zipper bag or other airtight container when it isn’t in use. | ||
=== Mixing Up Stovetop Play Dough === | === Mixing Up Stovetop Play Dough === | ||
| − | #Mix the flour, cream of tartar, and salt. Add 1 cup (125 g) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons (7 g) of cream of tartar, and ⅓ cup (100 g) of salt to a medium saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until they’re fully combined.<ref>http://livingwellmom.com/2012/02/easy-homemade-playdough-recipe/</ref> | + | #Mix the flour, cream of tartar, and salt. Add 1 cup (125 g) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons (7 g) of cream of tartar, and ⅓ cup (100 g) of salt to a medium saucepan. Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together until they’re fully combined.<ref name="rf4">http://livingwellmom.com/2012/02/easy-homemade-playdough-recipe/</ref> |
#*You can substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour if you prefer. | #*You can substitute rice flour for the all-purpose flour if you prefer. | ||
| − | #Stir in the water and oil. Once all of the ingredients are mixed, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil into the pan. Mix the ingredients well, so the water and oil are fully incorporated.<ref | + | #Stir in the water and oil. Once all of the ingredients are mixed, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil into the pan. Mix the ingredients well, so the water and oil are fully incorporated.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*You can substitute any cooking oil, such as canola or olive, for the vegetable oil. | #*You can substitute any cooking oil, such as canola or olive, for the vegetable oil. | ||
| − | #Heat the mixture. When all of the ingredients are combined, place the pan on the stove. Set the heat to medium-low, and stir the mixture as it heats. Continue stirring until it starts to become solid, which usually takes between 2 and 3 minutes.<ref | + | #Heat the mixture. When all of the ingredients are combined, place the pan on the stove. Set the heat to medium-low, and stir the mixture as it heats. Continue stirring until it starts to become solid, which usually takes between 2 and 3 minutes.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*It’s okay if the mixture is a little lumpy. You can work out the lumps later. | #*It’s okay if the mixture is a little lumpy. You can work out the lumps later. | ||
| − | #Add the food coloring. Once the mixture is starting to solidify, sprinkle several drops of food coloring in your chosen shade into the pan. Stir the mixture well so the color is fully mixed in.<ref | + | #Add the food coloring. Once the mixture is starting to solidify, sprinkle several drops of food coloring in your chosen shade into the pan. Stir the mixture well so the color is fully mixed in.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Start by adding a small amount of food coloring. Mix in more if it’s not as bright or dark as you’d like. | #*Start by adding a small amount of food coloring. Mix in more if it’s not as bright or dark as you’d like. | ||
| − | #Cook the dough until it clings to the spoon. After you’ve added the food coloring, continue heating the mixture. Stir it as it cooks, and once it begins to cling to the spoon and come together, the play dough is ready. It usually takes approximately 2 additional minutes of heating.<ref | + | #Cook the dough until it clings to the spoon. After you’ve added the food coloring, continue heating the mixture. Stir it as it cooks, and once it begins to cling to the spoon and come together, the play dough is ready. It usually takes approximately 2 additional minutes of heating.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*If you’re making multiple batches of the play dough in different colors and your stove is already warm, it may not take that long for it to come together. Pay attention to the texture and consistency to be sure that you don’t overcook it. | #*If you’re making multiple batches of the play dough in different colors and your stove is already warm, it may not take that long for it to come together. Pay attention to the texture and consistency to be sure that you don’t overcook it. | ||
| − | #Cool the play dough. When the dough is finished cooking, transfer it from the pan to a plate or piece of wax paper. Allow the play dough to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, or until you can handle it comfortably.<ref | + | #Cool the play dough. When the dough is finished cooking, transfer it from the pan to a plate or piece of wax paper. Allow the play dough to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, or until you can handle it comfortably.<ref name="rf4" /> |
| − | #Knead the dough and play. When the play dough is cool, use your hands to knead it for 1 to 2 minutes, taking the time to work out any lumps. Once it’s smooth, the dough is ready to play with.<ref | + | #Knead the dough and play. When the play dough is cool, use your hands to knead it for 1 to 2 minutes, taking the time to work out any lumps. Once it’s smooth, the dough is ready to play with.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*Store the play dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it starts to dry out, sprinkle a few drops of water on it and knead it in. | #*Store the play dough in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it starts to dry out, sprinkle a few drops of water on it and knead it in. | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
