NATURAL HOMEMADE PLAY-DOUGH

Worldwide alarm caused by coronavirus has brought many of us to rather unexpectedly find ourselves homeschooling our kids or grandkids 💕and this can feel daunting for many, but there are so many wonderful ways to spend this extra time together. 

One of our favorites is homemade play-dough. This is a great sensory experience and is truly enjoyable for all ages, even those teens can get in on the action. Below is a great recipe to help beat the time.

HOMEMADE PLAY-DOUGH

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups water
• 2/3 cups salt
• 4 tsp cream of tarter 
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Natural food coloring (more on these below)
• Essential oils (2+ years old safe)

Instructions:

1. Mix together all the ingredients, except the food coloring and essential oils, in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Continue stirring until the mixture is thick and begins to gather on the spoon.
4. Once the dough no longer wet, remove it from the heat.
5. Once it is cool enough to touch, divide it evenly into four glass bowls. Add 1 tsp. of different natural food color to each bowl, and 5 drops of a coordinating essential oil of choice. We've listed some ideas below. 
6. Now it's time for the kids to help! Knead the colors and essential oils into each dough ball until totally combined. Be prepared for colorful and totally aromatic hands, not to mentions lots of FUN!
7. Store in an airtight container, in the fridge.

Natural food color + coordinating oil ideas:

• Red - Paprika Powder + Thyme Oil
• Pink - Beet Powder + Lemon Oil
• Orange - Turmeric Powder + Ginger Oil
• Green - Matcha Powder + Orange Oil
• Brown - Cacao Powder + Nutmeg Oil
• Black - Charcoal Powder + Black Pepper Oil

Disclaimer: As always, use caution with essential oils. Avoid contact with mucous membranes. Not safe for direct contact with cats. Avoid the sun for 12 hours after direct contact with citrus oils. Do a skin patch test before handling essential oils to ensure there is no topical sensitivity. This activity should be done with a parent or guardian. Not suitable for children under the age of two.