I thought about calling this post “Everything I Learned In Life, I Learned From Play Dough,” but that seemed a bit much. I DO however, think that play dough IS a great way to learn some skills. I highly encourage you to make a batch for yourself!
Most of us played with play dough or something similar, like modeling clay, as kids. For me it was presented as a rainy day activity, or a way to keep my busy little hands occupied. I enjoyed it, but never really gave it much thought beyond that. Until I had kids of my own. When we would play together, they would ask me to show them how to use something like a rolling pin, or cookie cutters, or how to make a snake. It was then that I had a realization, I used those skills almost daily in some form. From cooking and baking, to science fair projects, to Halloween costumes, to DIY projects, all of them started with this humble dough.
Why make a batch for yourself?
Play dough is a cheap and easy way to practice without ruining your real project. For example: pie crust. You could practice laying out a perfect lattice, or getting the fluting just right on your edges. This is helpful if you are just getting into baking. Another example: want to do something that requires some construction, like making little air dry clay flower magnets? Perfect your technique and muscle memory by playing with play dough first.
Sometimes playing like a child, creatively, fully engaged, is good for your soul. It can be a great way to de-stress and get back in touch with yourself, away from the cares and struggles. This is especially great if you have others, kids and adults, to join you. Why do you think those painting and pottery with a glass of wine places are so popular? Why not have play dough and a whiskey night with a group of friends? Or play dough and juice boxes, whatever works for you!
The Supply List
- Large bowl, preferably one that doesn’t stain.
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Saucepan to heat water
- Wooden spoon for mixing
- Plastic cutting board or surface to knead the dough. Again probably one that doesn’t stain or you don’t care about.
- Something to keep your dough in that’s relatively air tight, like a plastic food storage container.
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup salt. Cheap table salt is best, you’re probably not going to want to eat this, but you do you.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cream of tartar. Optional, but it helps the dough last a little longer.
- 2 cups warm water. Warm enough to feel a little uncomfortable, but not so warm it would burn you.
- Food coloring. Again this is optional, but hey who doesn’t like color and stained hands?
How To
- Measure out your water, flour, salt, and cream of tartar. The water goes into your saucepan to heat. The rest goes into a large mixing bowl. I like to stir the dry ingredients together before I add the water.
- Once your water is warm, (Remember: warm enough to feel a little uncomfortable, like a hot bath that takes a little time to slip in, not so hot that you will burn yourself.) add it to your dry ingredients. Add your food coloring now as well. You will have to experiment with how much to add to achieve a color you like. (Be aware that too much added food coloring will stain your hands!) Stir to combine everything.
3. Dump your dough out onto a cutting board or other surface that you aren’t worried about staining. You’re going to knead the dough into it’s final smooth consistency.
Your dough is done! Time to get playing!
When you’re done using your dough, store it in a plastic tupperware like container. Your mileage is going to vary as to how long the dough will last. Always use your best judgement.
Tips
- If your dough starts to dry out, add a few drops of oil instead of water. Also make sure your container is sealing.
- I like to use plastic cutting boards or plastic place mats underneath the dough while I am using it.
- You could add a few drops of essential oil if you would like to have scented play dough. Powdered drink mix also works and colorant and scent.
This is a fast, easy, and cheap way to have some fun while working on your own or the next generations DIY skills. In my opinion, homemade is always better. You have way more control over the ingredients. I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but the brand name stuff you can buy at the store has some questionable ingredients in it. Go look it up.
Thank you again, beautiful soul for being here! I hope you make some time for play! See you again soon!