Playdough

Playdough, an essential ingredient for childhood.
My Mum used to make our playdoh and now I make it for my kids and playgroup.

This is the recipe I use. I love the final consistency, it lasts for ages if kept sealed, and doesn't feel sticky on your fingers.

1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food colouring


Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan, adding the colour last.
Stir over medium heat, until mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Remove from pan and knead until blended. You'll need to sprinkle just a very small amount of flour on your bench for this.
Store in a plastic bag or airtight container when cooled.

Autumn craft

Today was playgroup day. We're coming towards the end of autumn and there are beautiful leaves on trees everywhere at the moment.

In celebration, we decided to create our own autumn trees.

The fun began yesterday, as we went out in the cold to collect our leaves. My three year old boy absolutely loved this activity. He was so proud to be helping to get ready for playgroup and was careful to select leaves that were dry and colours that he liked.

Toddlers being toddlers, it was important to make sure that the glue or paste we used was non-toxic, as you just have to expect that SOMEONE will taste some...

I used the recipe below. It made more than enough for a dozen eager toddlers who used MUCH more than required!


General purpose paste
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 tsp vinegar


Mix flour and sugar in saucepan. 
Add half the water and stir to smooth paste.
Add rest of water and vinegar and stir until smooth.
Stir over medium heat until the paste thickens.
Cool.


Paste can be kept sealed in refrigerator for up to 6 months.


Once at playgroup, the pasting fun began. The kids all enjoyed sticking their leaves onto the tree pictures on the paper. Such a fun way to celebrate autumn. Here's a finished product.