It's special when it's homemade

By elisabeth

Some days I find it hard to be "all that I can be" for my two young boys, especially with this colder weather we've been having lately. The days can be long and the desire from the kids to be entertained every.second.of.the.day can be OVERWHELMING at times. Recently, I put my baking skills to the test and made play dough from scratch!

Just in time for the holiday weekend, pull out that mixing bowl and help yourself and those around you to a fun-filled afternoon of homemade fun.

And if one of your kids, your dog or that odd friend that stopped by happen to put a pinch or two in their mouth, you don't have to worry. It's homemade!

PLAY DOUGH (cooked version)

1 c. flour

1 T. vegetable oil

1 cup water

1/2 c. salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

food coloring (natural dye recipes below)

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture forms a ball. Knead until smooth. Store in a covered container. (For extra fun, add flavored extract to complement the color. For example: red coloring and peppermint or raspberry extract, green coloring and mint extract, brown or white coloring with vanilla, maple or root beer extract.)

********

Natural Dyes

Brown

• 3/8 cup plus 1 T hot water
• 4 T cocoa powder

Fuchsia

• 3/8 cup hot beet juice (or liquid from 15oz. can of beets)

Orange

• 3/8 cup hot water
• 1 T paprika

Yellow

• 3/8 cup hot water
• 1 tsp. turmeric

Any go-to activities in the home you'd like to share? Please help a girl out!

Comments

[Christina]

My 2.5 year old loves to paint w/ foam brushes so we've been doing a lot of that. I hear you, this winter has been brutal I can't wait to get back outside.

[Allie]

Wow, the natural dyes turned out great! I love the colors :)