Homemade Playdough

Playdough is something my family thoroughly enjoys. It seems we can play with it for a looooongg time. I love how open ended it is and full of sensory goodness. I added another element to my homemade playdough to add to the sensory experience: a bit of calming lavender essential oil. Below you will find the recipe as well as recommendations for storage.

Homemade Playdough Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  4. 1/3 cup salt
  5. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  6. natural food coloring (Watkins works well)
  7. two drops of lavender essential oil per color

INSTRUCTIONS

Total Time: 10 minutes

1. Mix together all the ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan.

2. Cook over low/medium heat, stirring.

3. Continue stirring until the mixture is thickened and begins to gather around the spoon.

4. Move the dough onto wax paper or a plate to cool in 3-4 separate balls.

5.While playdough is cooling add in your drops of color and begin to knead until the color is consistent, or mostly consistent. Add or mix colors as you like.

6.Add two drops of lavender or other essential oil of choice to each clump and thoroughly knead.

7.Store dough in airtight containers. Link to my storage containers here . I'm sure there are more aesthetic options that do not use plastic, but when I saw these at Michael's half off I ended up purchasing two. I am using the other one for storage of Stockmar watercolors.

Notes for Open-Ended Playdough Play:

  1. Hands as the only tools
  2. Introducing minimal tools like a clay knife or a roller.
  3. Staying away from using molds as your method of play (molds can be fun but they don't inspire a more active imagination).

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