Frugal Family Squishy Fun

What is more fun than play dough! I even enjoy playing with play dough. It's something that the whole family can do together. I'm sure many of you have made play dough before but I've tried several different recipes, since I was a preschool teacher and this one is my favorite.

Playdough
1 c. flour
1 c. Warm Water + food coloring of your choice (Add food coloring to water)
2 t. cream of tartar or alum
1/4 c. salt
1 t. oil

Start with dry ingredients and while heating on the stove add the liquid ingredients stirring constantly. The heat will make your play dough thicken and will eventually form a ball around your spoon. When thickened remove from head and allow to cool slightly then knead. I like to use my silicon baking sheets to knead with since they are heat resistant. I have also use parchment paper in the past and that does the trick. Please remember this is very hot so you'll need to let it cool for several minutes before you touch it. Store in an airtight container, Ziploc bags work best.

I have also added packages of kool aid & extracts like orange & lemon to the water to give it some color and scent. I do not recommend doing this with toddlers because they will already want to eat it, adding a scent will only increase the playdough consumption.

Fun things to add with play dough:
Straws
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes*
Potato Head Parts
Marbles*
Garlic presses
Meat mallet
Pine cones or other fun textured objects

For older kids give them a theme and watch them create. The possibilities are endless when it comes to play dough.

*not recommended for toddlers

Happy Family Time!
Erica