HomeMade PlayDough

Homemade playdough is a great summer craft!  It is easy enough for kids to help with, only takes about 10-15 minutes, Playdough is a classic childhood toy everyone can have fun with even the adults{[family playtime}}and it's so easy to make at home you'll never buy that stinky store variety again. Plus hey it's eatible in case your little ones get hungry, you know all the ingredients that went into it!

Basic ingredient ratios:
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar (optional for improved elasticity)

Combine all ingredients (except food coloring) in a medium-sized saucepan.
Stir over medium heat until smooth.
Stir continuously until the dough balls (about 1-2 minutes).  Remove from heat.

When dough is cool enough to handle, knead until smooth. Form into a ball. Divide into as many colors as you'd like to make.  A single batch makes a good amount for four colors. Add food coloring to the divided dough.  Gel food coloring works quite well.  I have not tried liquid food coloring.
Knead the food coloring into the dough. To protect your counter top, knead over wax paper.  To protect your hands, wear plastic or rubber gloves, if you have them (you could also put the dough and food coloring inside a ziplock bag and have the kids squish it around inside). When the dough is a consistent color, ball and set aside. Put the dough in separate containers. Toddler-sized snack containers are a good size, and I have also wrapped the colors individually in wax paper and stored in zip-lock baggies. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.  It will stay soft for several weeks if stored airtight. Happy Crafting ;)