Play Dough Recipes

Addie is now getting old enough that I want to start doing crafts and activities with her. We started this week by trying out play dough. I think she is still a little to young to know what to do with it, but it was a good activity that lasted longer than most.


I decided to make the play dough, instead of buying some, because it's so easy and I knew she would want to eat it. I was right, when I first gave it to her she stuck it in her mouth. Here are some fun play dough and clay recipes. The first recipe is the one I used and it came together in literally seconds. I halved the recipes which gave us plenty for Addie and I to share. I'm planning on trying out the other recipes next.


I first gave her some cookies cutters to use but in the end she just wanted a fork to stab it over and over again.

What other crafts or games do you do with toddlers? I could use all the suggestions I can get!!

Play Dough

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 tablespoon oil
3/4 cup water colored with food coloring

Mix the dry ingredients. Add the water and oil gradually. Add more water if the dough is too dry, or add more flour if it is too sticky. The oil preserves the dough and keeps it soft so it can be used many times. Store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Provide rolling pins and cookie cutters to use with the play dough.

Craft Clay

Combine:
1 cup corn starch
1 1/4 cup salt
2 cups baking soda (1 pound box)
1 tablespoon oil

Cook until thickened to doughlike consistency. Turn mixture out on pastry board and knead. Cover with a damp cloth or keep in a plastic bag. Good for plaques and other models. It can be painted when dry.

Modeling Clay

2 cups salt
2/3 cups water
1 cup corn starch
1/2 cup cold water

Stir salt and 2/3 cups water over heat four to five minutes. Remove from heat. Add corn starch and cold water. Stir until smooth. Cook again until thick. Store in plastic bag. This clay will not crumble when dry.

Baked Clay

4 cups flour
3/4 cup water
1 cup salt

Press out dough and have child make his handprint on it. Bake at 325° for 1 hour. Will be light brown in color.

I got these recipes from Here, a great source for other fun ideas!

Also check out my list of great toys and books for 12 to 24 month olds here.  Gifts for 4 to 5 year olds.