How to make play dough!

Every kid loves play dough! I even find myself enthusiastically making creations with my two boys!

However, it is something kids go through quickly. It dries out, the colors get mixed together...etc Not to mention, it is not always convenient to run to the store when you want to!

No need to find your shoes and keys when the urge to play hits... simply head to your kitchen! Save time, money, and your cars fuel by making it at home. Your kids will love the experience, and you'll love the convenience and cost savings! Its safe, non-toxic, and although salty - safe to eat in the instance your kids try to eat!

Here's what you need:

2 cups plain flour
2 cups water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cream of tartar
1 cup salt
food coloring
gloves

1. Mix all the ingredients together until completely combined.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for three or four minutes or until the mixture changes consistency, becomes thick, and loses its stickiness.  Dump onto waxed paper or cutting board.
3. Knead the play dough for a few minutes until cool and smooth
4. Divide into balls and add coloring (use plastic gloves to avoid staining your hands)
5. PLAY!
6. Store in air tight container

I split the ingredients in half to make two sets - one for each of the boys

Flour

Salt

cream of tartar

water and oil

I have the boys mix all of the ingredients themselves!

In goes the salt!

Cream of Tartar...

Mixing the dry ingredients...

And the water and oil last!

Time to cook it! I use a low heat setting, and stir constantly

Here it starts to look like mashed potatoes

Looks like a ruined mess, but its not! Its perfect!

Noah stole the camera and took a pic of me :)

Put the mess on cutting/rolling board 

Its gonna be hot, but you need to kneed it until it cools and is a malleable lump of dough

Voila! The malleable (lol, what a funny word) lump of dough!

I'm gonna make four colors, so I separated the ball into four smaller ones! Make sure you sagh!ve a little if you want plain white dough.

Use as many drops as necessary to get the color you want!

Toothpaste is great for getting the color out of your hands if you don't use gloves!

Our colors! Dunno what happened to this pic or why its pink!

Playtime!!

 

The last photos were taken with my IPhone...so they are a bit off... but you can still see the fun!

I store the play dough in a plastic container. It lasts a long long time!

I love DIY!

XOXO

Paula

How to make a candy pacifier for a babyshower

These make great baby shower favors, cupcake toppers, game prizes, or decorations. They are also easy to make and completely edible.  You can customize them to fit your theme by changing the colors of the ribbon or candy.

What you'll need:

• Lifesaver candy (white works best)- 2 for each pacifier
  
• Icing- decorator icing or royal icing (recipe here)
  
• Jelly beans or Mike and Ike candy
  
• Ribbon
  

Instructions:

Step 1:
Spread some icing in the middle of a lifesaver (the icing will be the glue to hold the candy together). Take another lifesaver and put on top of the icing, making a T- shape. Place on waxed paper and let dry for a few hours.


Step 2:
Put some more icing in the middle of the life saver on top. Stick a jelly bean in the middle to look like the nipple of a pacifier. Smooth out the icing with your finger or a knife. Lay on waxed paper and let the icing harden.


Step 3:
Tie a piece of curling ribbon through the hole in the bottom lifesaver. Curl the ribbon with some scissors.

You can also make a necklace. Just put a long piece of ribbon through the middle of the bottom lifesaver and tie in a knot at the ends.

Tips:

*Make sure to use a thick icing that will harden, like decorator icing or royal icing. You can buy a container of pre-maid decorator icing or make your own royal icing.

*Handle your candy favors carefully until they are completely dry.

*Use large jelly beans or Mike and Ike candy for a more realistic look.