Looking for an easy after school activity for your kids? Why not whip up some homemade playdough? It smells sooooo much nicer than the store bought variety, and feels silky smooth in your hands. I first tried my hand at making this last year for our daughter’s Frozen birthday party, and it was a hit. Since then, this is the only playdough we use.
Not only is it a fun sensory exercise, but we also build in math lessons for our five year old. She helps me measure the ingredients, mix them together, then experiments with the food coloring. It’s a simple recipe, and if you’ve never made it – you first mix the dry ingredients in a pot, then add the liquids and stir until it looks like this.
Then knead it on a floured surface. I start the process while it’s too warm, then let the littles dig in!
And then it’s time to create with your homemade playdough! We raided the dollar store for all types of knick knacks and cookie cutters to play with…
I love watching to see what they come up with, our three year old likes to just dig in and use all the props!
While our eldest methodically sculpts and creates faces…
or how about a birthday cake?
It’s fun to make homemade playdough based on holidays and seasons, St. Patrick’s Day will be the next batch we make. And add any scent or ‘flavor’ you prefer! I only had vanilla, but grape and cherry are fun too…here’s the recipe! And PIN for later!
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
- (optional ingredients)
- 1/2 bottle vanilla or other extract
- 2-3 drops glycerin (makes it silky and shiny)
- 5-6 drops of food coloring
- Mix all dry ingredients together, and then add all wet ingredients. Stir until well blended.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a ball forms.
- Transfer hot play dough carefully to a floured surface. Knead as the dough cools.
- When cooled, store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.
- Have fun!
And for more Valentine’s inspiration, make these heart-shaped cinnamon rolls!
Or Pink Velvet Cupcakes with White Chocolate Frosting!
I love making play dough! We have a batch sitting on our counter that we made last week. It’s my go to boredom buster!
me too!
Annelise has been on a playdoh kick lately. We definitely need to try making our own. I love that you can make it scented!
yep – just drop in half a bottle of whatever extract you want! We have banana, peppermint, & grape!
I have made peanut butter play doh before, but this is way more attractive, lol! Plus, my kids just eat the peanut butter play doh!
ewwwww!
How fun! I have never made homemade play dough but this seems super easy!
It is SO easy and they love it! Try it and let me know what you think!
I love making homemade playdough… and there’s nothing quite like the feel of it. Instant stress relief.
I love how you “dressed this up” for Valentine’s Day fun!
So awesome.
Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
yes it is fun, and relaxing, and nice to be with them after school!
This is so cute.. I love all the vday accessories you added to make it even more fun! 🙂
The Dollar Tree rocks for holiday projects like this!
So awesome. My daughter would love this.
How fun is this! My granddaughter would love this. Thanks for sharing at the Spring Craft Blog Hop. Pinning and sharing.
This is so awesome. I love Playdoh, probably more than my son. I have to believe this is so much healthier (and obviously less toxic) than the store bought kind especially for those kiddos that like to smell, eat and sometimes sleep with their Playdoh. Did the food coloring dye their hands at all?
No it did not Caryn. I don’t let them (or us) eat food coloring and try to avoid food dyes, but it keeps their hands perfectly clean. AND it’s not messy like store bought varieties!
How fun – plus, it’s easy to make, what could be better? Pinned it!
Thank you for sharing! Nice to meet you!
I love it!! I am going to do this! So fun!!!
Ooh, I love the glycerin to make it shiny!
My mom and I love Valentine’s Day and we say that things taste better when they’re red, pink and white so I’d really be the one trying not to eat the play-dough! Just kidding. I’d be trying to stop Des from it. My kids would love this.
Hope they love it! But why are you blogging on vacay? Go back to relaxing!
Homemade play-dough is a staple in our house! We use Kool-Aid powder for fun colors and scents!
what a GREAT idea! thanks!
Looks like they had a blast! This is such a great idea and fun thing to do at home! Thanks for sharing on OMHG Wordless Wednesday this week!
I haven’t made playdough in years but it was one of my favorite things to make/play with when the kids were younger! Thank you for linking up to the Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday Linky Party!
Wishing you a fabulous week!
xx
Lysa
Co-Host OMHGWW
I don’t have kids, but I think I’d enjoy making this just as much!
It is FUN!
Cute idea & beautiful pictures! I’ve pinned you to my pinterest board! http://www.momresource.com/pinterest
Thank you! Love your site!
Such a cute idea to incorporate other Valentine’s Day craft items into the playdoh! The girls look like they are having so much fun 🙂
This is a great corn-free craft idea! I’d love it if you would share it on my new corn-free link party. http://www.creatingsilverlinings.com/corn-free-everyday-feb-01-2015/
I will thanks!
Thank you so much for attending week 19 of #PureBlogLove and linking your fantastic blog post, I can’t wait to see what you have in store for our next party, Thursday 8 PM EST- Sundays at midnight. Your post has been added to the #PureBlogLove Pinterest board for all to see 🙂 Have a great day!
Nicole
What a great idea to add the accessories! We’ll definitely be making this over the weekend!
So glad you liked it! Super fun and easy…we do this for every holiday!
I’m not a big fan of playdoh – it ends up in the carpet and/or the dog eats it! But this looks too easy and fun to skip! My kids thank you!
I love this idea! I want to try it with my LO. Thanks!
Erica @ thebigredpatchhouse.com
Just made your Valentine’s Day play dough. First time making play dough and I love it! Kids are going to love it and it smells great with the vanilla. I added red sparkles too 🙂
Way better than doing cookies – no sugar rush! Pinning!