Natural Play Clay
With two little boys at home, I’ve been through my share of playdough. It probably still can be found on the floor somewhere, as it seems to end up more on the floor than anywhere else. But since we’ve been through so much of it, its been much easier and cheaper to make it ourselves!!
Follow this easy recipe for a long lasting fun clay, that can be made into any color!
1 cup flour
3/8 cup salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Natural dyes (see below)
In a medium sized bowl, mix the flour and salt. Pour in the oil and dye and stir well. Knead the clay on a floured surface for a few minutes. May need to add a little more flour if it is too soft. The clay can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Natural Dyes
Brown: 3/8 cup plus one tablespoon hot water and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
Fuchsia: 3/8 cup hot beet juice (from canned beets)
Orange: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon paprika
Yellow: 3/8 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon turmeric
If making your own clay just isn’t your thing, check out this amazing collection of aromatic, gluten free play clays from Mama K’s shop on Etsy! Beautiful colors and scents like geranium, lavender, lemongrass, and chamomile. These clays are scented with organic essential oils.
Have fun!
Recipe courtesy of Family Fun Magazine October 2009