Here's how to make your own playdough
Learn how to make playdough for an inexpensive afternoon of art and crafts with the kids.
Play-Doh was first invented in the 1930s. Almost a 100 years later and this colourful modelling dough is still a firm favourite with youngsters and their parents.
If you’re fed up of buying expensive ready made playdough for the kids only for it to end up in the bin, then making your own colourful playdough is the answer.
It’s much easier than you might think. Plus, it’s a great way to save money, while making a rainy afternoon stuck indoors more fun – the perfect activity for over the school holidays. Playdough is also great for children’s parties, as an activity or to take home a pot in a party bag.
The good news is that making homemade playdough requires few ingredients. All you need to make a batch is a few kitchen cupboard staples, mixing bowls, some warm water and our easy-to-follow playdough recipe.
Some playdough recipes require cooking, but we've found using warm water binds the ingredients to create just the right consistency and elasticity. We've also left out the cream of tartar found in lots of other playdough recipes for the same reason.
Playdough is suitable for children ages 2 year and up and should be used under supervision. If your children are older, you can also involve them in the making process.
One of the most exciting parts of DIY playdough is that you can mix your own colours! There's such a wide choice of food colours around that you can experiment with different brands and blend colours to make hues that you can’t buy in the shops.
Making your own modelling clay using a playdough recipe is a great skill as once you’ve made it, you’ll never need to buy it again.
Playdough recipe
You will need:
2 cups of flour, plus extra for dusting your board
1 cup of salt
2 cups of warm water
Food colouring
2 tbsps vegetable oil
2 mixing bowls
Wooden chopping board
Wooden spoon
How to make playdough
Step 1
Mix together the flour and salt in one bowl, and the water, oil and a few drops of food colouring in another.
Liquid food colouring is easier to blend then pastes and powders but if you’re worried about staining do cover any surfaces and wear gloves if you prefer. The more food colouring you add the stronger the colour will be. For a more intense shade add in a few more drops.
Step 2
Pour the oil, water and food colouring mix into the bowl with the flour. Use a wooden spoon to mix it all together. If your children are old enough to help you with baking projects then they will love getting involved in the mixing, too!
Step 3
Dust your wooden chopping board with flour just as would do to make pastry or biscuits. Place the dough mix on top and knead for a few minutes until smooth and pliable. If it feels to sticky, add in a bit more flour. The kneading stage is important, especially to ensure that the colour is even throughout.
Step 4
Leave the mixture to cool completely and then your homemade playdough is ready for little hands!
TIP: PlayDoh is known for its distinct fragrance. Homemade playdough will be fragrance free. However, if you do want to add a touch of fragrance you could add in a couple of drops of clear essence like peppermint and mix that in while you knead the dough. But remember, this dough is not for eating!
How to store homemade playdough
Our craft team recommends storing homemade playdough in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
You could use tupperware, sandwich bags or even empty pots with lids if you have them left over from old shop-bought playdough you may have at home. If it’s kept air tight it should continue to stay soft, stretchy and usable for several months.
Just be sure to keep it out of the reach of pets because it can be toxic.
Play time!
Now you know how to make playdough, use this homemade version just as you would any other type. Mould it, shape, it, cut it, use cutters and stamps and most of all, have fun!
Looking for inexpensive craft activities for kids? How about paper mâché, tie-dye or getting creative with toilet rolls?
Happy crafting!
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