Nature's Playdough

Note: I got this recipe for natural playdough from the book, Make Your Own Playdough, Paint, and Other Craft Materials. (Easy Recipes to Use with Young Children) By, Patricia Caskey.

 This Recipe uses natural fruit juices to add exciting new colors to your dough. Suitable for all ages.

Nature's Playdough

1 cup flour.

1/2 cup salt.

2 tablespoons cream of tartar.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

1 cup water.

2 tblsp. beet, spinach, or carrot juice.

                                    
Mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar, and oil and slowly add water. Cook over medium heat and stir until stiff. Turn onto waxed paper and cool. Divide into balls. Add the vegetable juice to make pink, green, or orange dough. If you don't have these vegetable juices on hand, simply puree the vegetables in a blender and pour off the liquid.

*Provide a special area for children to express themselves. Have you ever tried to draw with a crayon on a piece of paper on the carpet? it isn't an easy task and it's hard to be creative when you're frustrated. Provide a hard surface for painting, rolling dough and clay, and drawing. The children will appreciate it and will be able to work much more easily.

*Provide encouragement and support. Children benefit greatly from encouraging words. Rather than saying, "That's beautiful," use descriptive words to describe their efforts. Statements such as "I like all the colors you used in your rainbow" or "That is very smart of you to add a sun to the sky" not only support their efforts, but also show children you are truly looking at their work. 

**Safety First....Always supervise your children when they are playing with playdough or doing any other craft projects!**  

Have Fun!!! : )