Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the playdough-making process, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salt
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- A few drops of food coloring (optional)
- Any desired add-ins like glitter or essential oils (optional)
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Mix them well until they are thoroughly blended together.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
After mixing the dry ingredients, add the vegetable oil to the mixture. Stir it in evenly to ensure it’s well incorporated.
Step 3: Pouring the Boiling Water
Take the boiling water and carefully pour it into the bowl containing the dry and wet mixture. Be cautious as the mixture might be hot. If you have little helpers, make sure you handle this step yourself.
Step 4: Mixing & Kneading
Using a spoon or spatula, begin mixing the ingredients together. As the mixture starts to come together, switch to using your hands to knead it. Knead until the dough becomes soft, pliable, and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes of kneading.
Step 5: Coloring Your Playdough (Optional)
If you want to add some color to your playdough, now is the time! Add a few drops of your chosen food coloring to the dough. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve your desired color. Remember, a little goes a long way when working with concentrated food coloring.
Step 6: Adding Some Fun (Optional)
If you want to take your playdough to the next level, consider adding some extras like glitter or a few drops of essential oils. The glitter will give it a sparkly touch, while essential oils can provide a delightful sensory experience.
Step 7: Storing Your Playdough
Once your playdough is ready, it’s time to store it properly. Place it in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to keep it fresh. Properly stored homemade playdough can last for several weeks.
Congratulations! You have successfully made homemade playdough from scratch. Not only is this a fun and creative activity, but it also allows you to customize the playdough according to your preferences. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy hours of imaginative play with your freshly made playdough!