How to make play dough

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Knead, pound, flatten, roll and squeeze the day away – working with playdough is lots of fun and helps little ones develop fine motor skills. When you throw a rolling pin, some plastic cookie cutters and a few child-friendly kitchen utensils into the mix, you’re set for hours of entertainment. This homemade playdough is free of preservatives, so it won’t last as long as bought preparations. It’s also very high in salt, so it should not be eaten.

Playdough
2 cups (300g) plain flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup (250ml) water
2 tsp vegetable oil
Liquid food colouring

1. Place the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large bowl, and stir until combined. Make a well in the centre, add the water and oil, then stir until a dough forms.
2. Turn the dough on to a non-stick surface and knead for 2-3 minutes or until smooth.
3. Add the food colouring, a few drops at a time, and knead through the dough until you have the desired shade. If the dough becomes too sticky, add a little more flour.

Note: This playdough will keep for one week. Cover with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

Production & styling: Angela Haughton. Photography: Sam McAdam.