Play dough

2 1/4 c non-self-rising wheat flour
1 c salt
1 T powdered alum
4 T vegetable oil
1 1/2 c boiling water
food coloring

Combine flour, salt, and alum in a bowl.

Add vegetable oil.

Stir in boiling water.  Stir vigorously with a large spoon until mixture holds together.

Knead the dough until it is smooth.

Add food coloring.

Makes about 3 cups.

How to use it:

Model as with any clay.  Objects will dry to a hard finish if left in the open air.  Paint dried pieces with enamel, hyplar, or tempera.

Stored in an airtight container, play dough will keep a long time.



Play Dough #2

1 c salt
1 1/2 c flour
1/2 c water
2 T oil
Food coloring

Mix the oil and food coloring into the water.  Add the salt and flour.  Mix all together, then knead to get out the lumps.  Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.



Play Dough #3

1/2 c salt
1/2 c hot water
1/4 c cold water
1/2 c cornstarch

In a pan, mix salt and hot water and heat to boiling point.

Stir cold water into cornstarch in a small bowl.

Add cornstarch mixture to boiling water.  Stir vigorously to break up lumps.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is like stiff pie dough. 

Remove from heat and turn out onto a breadboard to cool.

As soon as mixture is cool enough to handle, knead until smooth and pliable.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

How to use it:  

Play clay has a grainy texture and is excellent for flattening with a rolling pin and cutting into shapes to make mobiles and holiday decorations.  It dries and hardens in about 1 or 2 days.  When dry, it is white and can be painted with enamels.  To speed up drying time, bake on cookie sheet in an oven at 200 F for 1 hour.

Wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic or stored in an airtight container, the clay will keep a long time without refrigeration.