August 30, 2010

Easy Peasy Playdough as Party Favors

Here's a cute idea for a party favor, as well as a fun craft that the kiddies can be involved in making.  Katie loved the idea of making her very own playdough, and I loved how easy it was to make (less than 15 minutes), and the money we saved by not buying the popular little tubs that we all know so well.  

This project brought back some great memories of my childhood, when my very wonderful Nana would whip up some homemade playdough for my sister and I. Squeezing  some dough between our little fingers, was all we needed to keep us happy and busy for quite a long time.    

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 cup salt (I used Kosher salt)
2 tbsp of oil (I used grapeseed)
2 cups of water
food coloring ( I used gel)
clear plastic treat bags
colorful ribbon to seal the bags

Directions
Measure all ingredients into a microwave safe bowl and mix thoroughly.  (Mixture will look runny and lumpy.) All will be kneaded in the end, so don't worry about the lumps. 

Place in the microwave for two minutes on medium heat.  Stop and stir then put in for another minute and stop and stir again.  Repeat until you have a solid batter that can be kneaded.  Total microwave time was approx. 4 minutes and 20 seconds.   

Once you have a solid batter, remove batter to counter-top and set aside for a few minutes to cool.  
Once cool enough, knead dough until it comes together smoothly and split dough into as many different sections as you want colors.  

Take each section and push your thumb deep into the middle of the ball.  Add a few drops of food coloring and gently pinch the top of the hole closed, roll on its side and carefully knead until all the color is blended into the dough. (Katie loved seeing this transformation!)  

Place the balls into clear plastic treat bags and seal with the ribbon of your choice.  Now you're ready to share your creation with your family and friends.  

This playdough can last up to 5-6 weeks if kept in an airtight container.  If the edges feel a bit dry, simply knead with wet hands.  


Enjoy!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Love that idea! i could have used it yesterday for my middle sons birthday! I will have to remember that one!

Kendra said...

Thanks Kate....yes, cute idea for birthday parties...and so crazy easy and fun to make!