Easy Peasy Home Made Play Dough

Something different to come out of the Vanderbilt kitchen this weekend. Technically it is food, but you really wouldn't want to eat it.

The graphic designer in me calls this CMY-Kake

My daughter, however was very pleased to have 6 new shades of play dough (especially the pink and purple!). I spent about an hour making these 6 colours and probably saved about $40 in the process.

The home made stuff doesn't have that aroma that instantly brings back a bunch of childhood memories like the real Play-Doh, but I don't think Little Miss Vanderbilt has even noticed the difference.


This stuff is unbelievably easy to make. I just followed the instructions on the side of the Mackenzies cream of tartar container and divided the quantity by 4 for each colour. This makes about the same as 2-3 regular Play-Doh tubs.

Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1 tbsp Cream of Tartar
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• food colourings (liquid preferably)

image courtesy Faber Castell

Mix the food colouring into the water. I used a 1ml syringe to get an accurate amount when mixing colours like red or purple. 1/2 a ml of each mixed in with the water is enough to produce  nice bold colours (in this case orange and purple) - you can always experiment with varying amounts of primary colours to get the different shades.

Then pour the coloured liquid into a heavy based non-stick saucepan with the rest of the ingredients on a medium heat and mix it up on the heat until it starts to congeal.

Leave it to cool and repeat with the next colour.

If looked after well (kept in a sealed container, preferably in the fridge), this dough can last 6-12 months.

Have you ever made play dough for the kids? what kids art & craft items take you straight back to your childhood? Let me know in the comments.

Happy baking

LVB