Eco Friendly Playdough

How to Make Homemade Modeling Dough

Mar 17, 2010
Ashley Anderson

Flour and Salt Are Basic Playdough Ingredients - angeldye

Many commercial playdoughs and modeling clays are made with chemicals that cause concern if swallowed by children. Homemade dough is inexpensive and safe for kids.

Playdough and modeling clay come in many commerical forms that can be purchased at craft stores, grocery stores, and discount warehouses.

However, these doughs and clays are often made with a variety of chemicals that can be harmful to children and pets if ingested, and can cause reactions for those with chronic sensitivities or allergies. For many, homemade playdough is a quick, easy, and inexpensive alternative to store-bought clays.

Making Eco Friendly Playdough

Also known as salt dough, this recipe has many variations that can be found in cookbooks, craft books, and parenting magazines throughout the year. The basic ingredients remain the same, while the amount of each ingredient needed and the actual yield may vary from recipe to recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1 cup table salt
1 cup water

Mix the flour and salt in a bowl with a spoon. Then, gradually add water while kneading the mixture until it reaches a dough consistency. It should not be sticky.

For those who are looking to make a smaller batch, reduce the measured ingredients as follows:

1 cup all-purpose flour (not self-rising)
1/2 cup table salt
1/3 cup water

Both doughs should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag when not in use. The dough will gradually harden as it ages, but will last longer if kept sealed and refrigerated. Hardened dough can be disposed of without having to worry about any environmental hazards or precautions.

Variations on Eco Friendly Playdough Recipe

With the variety of colored play dough compounds that are available, children may have the desire to be creative with changing the color or texture of the dough.

To add a tint to the dough, add food coloring as the dough is being mixed to create various concentrated shades. For a more natural approach, substitute the water in the recipe for dark-colored fruit juices to create a lightly-tinted dough.

If kids want to make textured dough or want to make beads or other decorative items, flower petals and leaves can be added to the dough as it is being mixed to create a textured, almost polka dotted look. It is best to make sure that all dough items containing plant materials are baked or hardened before use so that the petals and leaves are dried to prevent decay.

All-natural playdough can be a safe, quick, and easy alternative to store bought clays and doughs. With a couple of common household items, children can help create a dough that is easy to store, use, and use to create many different items.