WFMW- Making Playdoh.

Monday we kicked off the day making playdoh. The boys had a blast and it gave them something new to do. I’ve decided that Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (days Owen does not have preschool), I’m going to walk them through a craft or activity that will expose them to creativity, new textures, expression, etc.

To make playdoh simply combine:

1 cup flour
1 cup salt
add water gradually until you get the appropriate texture
(optional) food coloring.

I divided the recipe into 3 and gave each of the boys a bowl and made one for myself. I showed them with mine how to do it and I as surprised how quickly they caught on. They really enjoyed stirring the dough.

EDIT: I’m a total dork, I just realized it is a brand focus for WFMW this Wednesday, but I already posted this and am tired. I guess view it as the anti brand post considering it’s the cheap version (and way more fun version) of Playdoh.

September 5, 2007 | Filed Under Works for Me Wednesday

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10 Responses to “WFMW- Making Playdoh.”

Jane on September 5th, 2007

I didn’t realize the brand theme either, but was too lazy to my post as well! I loved homemade playdoh as a kid. There is just so much more of it and who cares if the colors get all mixed! Have you ever seen the recipe that calls for creme of tartar? I would have to google it, but that recipe lasts a long time.
Debs on September 5th, 2007

Making your own playdough is great fun.

I don’t know exactly how old your boys are, but have you ever tried a cornflour mix with them?
Basically you take the cornflour (I thni kyou might call it cornstarch, I’m from the UK so I’m not totally sure, but I’m sure you know what I mean!)
Anyway you add a little water so that it’s kind of a bit runny and smooth. If you try to pick some up in your hand and roll it it feels solid, but as soon as you stop rolling it goes runny again. Also if you hit, in the bowl, it’s really hard and resists your hand, but if you just gently poke it with a finger it lets your finger sink into it.
Kids love playing with it, and best of all when you’re done you can just throw it away, or put away for another day (add more water if it gets too dry), and then just brush up any flour that’s left behind.

I don’t have any kids of my own, but I’ve worked with them for several years now, and I love picking up new fun and easy ways to amuse them! So I hope you don’t mind me sharing, I just want everyone to know some of the cool things I’ve learnt!
Anne MArie on September 5th, 2007

Don’t you love hands on stuff!!! We are painting with cooked noodles today - should be messy but fun:)
matt on September 5th, 2007

when you are ready for the boys to venture into science crafts, let me know. there are great experiments and not just the “lets make a volcano in the sandbox” type.

by the way, did the boys rub playdoh goop all over the anti john kerry t-shirt, or do they have to keep it clean while doing crafts?

also, if you need any photo ideas, anne marie is a top notch picture taker. her photos were some of the best in the recent davis seminar.
Lynnae @ From Under the Clutter on September 5th, 2007

I love making playdoh with the kids! And what a great idea to do something crafty on no-school days. I may just have to do that myself!
peppylady on September 5th, 2007

Nothing wrong with saving a few pennies. When my boys was younger I made play dough for them.
Mommy Zabs on September 5th, 2007

Jane - Yes I would love to see that recipe, I’m all for making things that last! Thank you

Debs - Yes, please do tell me more about the cornstarch, sounds great! Thanks for sharing.

Anne Marie - Hey Girl. I’ll have to get you to tell me more about this craft, I believe we are going to be doing finger-painting today Their first time.

matt - When (if) I homeschool you will be a field trip And yes when they are older I will def. want some experiments (safe ones!) And Anne and I grew up together, she is wonderful. Very natural with the lens. She’s a treasure.

Oh and the kerry shirts- I have a lot left over from the last election so they have become smocks! Among other things.
Lynnae- Definitely share what you come up with! Always looking for ideas!

peppylady - Amen!
annabelle on September 5th, 2007

That’s such a great craft!
jan on September 8th, 2007

big play dough fans here! here’s our recipe with the cream of tartar (and kool-aid for color and scent!):

1 cup of flour, half a cup of salt, 2 tsp of cream of tartar, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and one packet of kool-aid.
Brandi on September 9th, 2007

Yes, LOVE That the kids are wearing their kerry shirts! I still wear my “vote bush” shirt every week!

Love ya. . .I think I’ll have to do the playdough thing this week too.. .maybe tomorrow!

Bran

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