Return to site

STEP 10 - MAKING CLAY FOR PLAY

broken image

Think back to when you were young…

(A year or two ago!)

Remember spending hours squishing and squashing and shaping things with clay or dough? Great fun, right?

Do you remember how it smelled? It wasn’t the best smelling thing around. (But still, tons of fun!)

Now, as an adult, you realize it smelled that way because of all the chemicals it contained. Perhaps you’ve even wondered: wouldn’t it be great if there were a better, more natural type of clay or dough?

Well, there is.

With this recipe, you’ll have peace of mind that the ingredients are all natural. Not only that: adding Essential Oils will also allow you to create different scents for your kids to enjoy!

CLAY FOR PLAY RECIPE

• 1 c. Flour

• 3 tbsp. Cream of Tartar

• 1/4 c. Salt

• 1 tbsp. Vegetable Oil

• 1 c. Distilled Water

• Natural Food Coloring

• 15–20 drops Essential Oils

Mix the above ingredients well and cook over medium heat while mixing continuously. The mixture will first begin to melt down before it starts to thicken. Before long, the mixture will start to ball up while you are stirring it. When it does this and no longer has any areas that look wet, it is ready for the next steps. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Add in desired Essential Oils and Food Coloring and knead by hand until combined.

Store in Essential Oil grade plastic containers until ready to use, or between uses.

Since this is a natural recipe and does not contain any preservatives, it is advised to check your dough before each play session for any type of breakdown. You do not have to refrigerate the dough (though you can if you wish); just be sure to have it in an air-tight container. Also, this dough does not dry out as fast during play, so it can be used for a few hours at a time. You may have to refresh it between play sessions by adding a tiny amount of water and kneading again.

QUESTION – WHICH PART WOULD YOUR CHILD ENJOY MORE: HELPING YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE—OR PLAYING WITH IT AFTERWARDS?