Playdough

“Oh, where did you buy your playdough?” This is a question we get asked many times and the answer is that we didn’t buy it we made it! You too can make your own playdough by following our tried and tested DMK recipe!

What you will need:

2 cups flour 2 cups warm water 1 cup salt 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 1 Tablespoon cream of tartar

Food colouring, scented oils, glitter (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and stir over a low heat. The dough will begin to thicken until it resembles mashed potatoes. You can add your food colouring at this stage – a few drops will do.

When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the center remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool. If your playdough is still sticky, cook it longer.

Turn the dough out onto a mat and knead until it becomes silky-smooth. If you would like scented/sparkly playdough add your ‘smell’ and or glitter.

Play with your playdough! It's entirely edible, if a bit salty, so it's child-safe. When you're done, store your playdough in an air-tight container.

Why make your own when you can buy?

1. The consistency of homemade playdough is much softer than the store bought ones and more malleable for our little ones.

2. You can ‘make’ your own playdough by adding different colours, scents and textures.

3. Homemade playdough is safe – you know exactly where the ingredients have come from.

4. Making playdough is a fun parent-child activity.

5. It’s cost effective.

A few benefits of Playdough play:

1. Develops the child’s fine motor skills.

2. It can be calming and therapeutic.

3. Develops the child’s imagination and creativity.

4. Develops hand-eye coordination.

5. Develops social skills.

6. Literacy and Numeracy development.

7. Promotes play.

Enjoy!