Combine this homemade play-dough recipe with cookie cutters to match your theme and you’ll mix up a batch of party fun for less than a few dollars. You can also create homemade party favors when you package up the play-dough in small deli containers from your grocery store (less that 15 cents each) and include a cookie cutter and/or  kid-safe clay tool.

You’ll Need

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Food color liquid or gel
• 2 cups water
• Large pot
• Parchment or waxed paper

Optional Items:

• Fine glitter dust (optional for older kids)
• Parchment or waxed paper
• Wood dowel
• Cookie cutters
• Table covering or vinyl place mats

Directions:

1. For even coloring, mix the food color with the water. You’ll achieve a more vibrant color with food color gel.
2. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large saucepan or stock pot.
3. Cook over a medium-high heat and stir constantly until the play-dough thickens and forms a ball.
4. Remove from the heat.
5. Place the ball on the parchment paper.
6. When the play dough is cool enough to touch knead several times. This is when you would work in very fine glitter dust as an optional ingredient. Glitter is not recommended for young children.
7. Store in a sealed container.
8. Refrigeration is not necessary, but it will extend the shelf life of this homemade dough.

Party Time:

1. Cover a table or give each child their very own plastic/vinyl placemat.
2. Provide sanded wood dowel pieces about  2″ W x 6″ L for rollers, cookie cutters and other kid-safe tools for playing.

1-2-3 Party Tip
When your selecting a location for this activity keep in mind that play-dough wreaks havoc on carpeted floors and upholstered furniture.

2 Responses to “Party Playdough”

1. LeighAnna says:

   December 20, 2012 at 1:47 pm

   How much playdough does this recipe make???
2. Kit Bennett says:

   December 21, 2012 at 4:33 am

   It makes about 2 1/2 to three cups