Art projects have got to be one of our favorite indoor activities. The latest experiment? Homemade play dough! Ok, I know it’s available in the store for only $1.00 a pack, but it also has toxic ingredients and I worry about a little one putting it in their mouth and accidently swallowing some. (Does that sound like a “Nervous Jewish Mother” stereotype? Yep, can’t help it…)

Since making it from scratch is pretty easy, I figured I’d give it a whirl. Here is the basic recipe which takes only 10 minutes to mix and 5 to heat:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 TSP cream of tarter
• 1 cup water
• 1 1/2 TBS vegetable oil

Because I wanted to jazz it up, I customized, adding these goodies:

In place of water: Steep 2 TBS of rosemary in 8 ounces of boiling water for 20 minutes. This makes a tea-like infusion that smells delicious! Strain before using.

Essential Oil:  Add 1 TSP of Fir oil (pine or rosemary oil would also work). When using oils or extracts, add them at the beginning, before heating the play dough. They can be stirred in at the end, but the dough thickens so quickly, it’s best not to wait. 

Food coloring: Anything you like!

The above picture shows the lovely green color and I can promise the scent is equally heavenly. It has a wintertime/woodsy feel that’s so nice this time of year.

I’m not sure of the exact cost, but the only expensive ingredients are the cream of tarter and essential oil. I buy mine at a bulk food store which is pretty reasonable when used sparingly. (I’ve heard white vinegar can be used as a substitute for cream of tarter, but I’ve not tried it personally. Similarly, a packet of Kool Aid can be used in place of oils.)

When properly sealed, homemade play dough should keep for months. Wide, shallow containers work better than jars because it’s easier to remove. I’d only use a jar if it was being given as a gift.

We had so much fun making homemade play dough, I’m sure we’ll do it again. The only thing I’d do differently is buy more food coloring so we could make different kinds and possibly add some glitter.