This homemade play dough is a staple in our house and I love that it is natural and so easy to make. This is our tried and true salt dough recipe that we’ve been using for several years and it always turns out great. This play dough is made using staple pantry ingredients and you can make an endless amount of variations for each season. Experiment with adding natural dyes and different botanicals! This dough is great for art projects and for sensory play. You can air-dry any creations that you’d like to keep, or they can be baked in an oven on your lowest oven temperature for a few hours until they are completely dry. When dried properly the creations will last for many years.

Ingredients:

– 1c flour
– 1/2c salt
– 1 tbsp cream of tartar
– 2 tsp olive or avocado oil
– 1/2c warm water
– dried flowers
– air tight container such as a glass jar

Instructions for making homemade play dough

Step 1: How to make play dough

Mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar together in a bowl. Add the warm water into the flour mixture, starting with 1/2c and adding more in needed. Stir with a spoon until the dough is combined. Make a well in the center of the dough and add the oil. Knead dough until it is smooth. When you are finished, the dough should be easy to handle and should not stick to your hands. If the dough is too dry, add more water. If it is too sticky, add more flour.

Step 2: Add the flowers

Sprinkle your dried flowers on the dough and knead to combine.
Now’s the fun part! Start mixing your dried botanicals into the dough and knead to combine. Leftover play dough lasts for quite some time and can be stored in an airtight container (I like to store ours in the fridge so that it lasts even longer).

Please note that salt dough can be harmful for children or pets if it is consumed. Supervise children when working with the dough and store out of reach. This recipe contains wheat. If you plan to give this away as a gift or to make it with children, please be aware of any possible allergens.