You can make great play dough so quickly & for next to nothing!

The quantities below make a ball of dough about 10cm diameter. If you have a large pan (e.g. stock or preserving pan) you can simply multiply the quantites.  I make it in multiples of 10+ for our local toddler craft group.

The amount of food colouring required is very variable.  For example if using blue liquid colouring you may need half a bottle as opposed to a few drops of yellow.

1 cup plain flour

1 cup warm water

half a cup salt

1 tbsp cooking oil

2 tsp cream of tartar

Food colouring, as required

Put all the ingredients into a pan and mix thoroughly.  Leave to stand for a few minutes to allow the flour to absorb the water and the lumps to soften.  If desired, use a hand blender to give a smoother mixture (optional).

Cook the mixture over a low heat, stirring continuously.  Remove from the heat when the majority of the mixture has turned to dough. At this point DON'T PANIC - some bits will look more cooked than others.  Knead the dough until smooth.  Allow to cool thoroughly, kneading occasionally to stop a skin forming, before placing in an airtight container or bag.

Click here for lots of tools for children to use with playdough