Ask the Editor

I am trying to find play dough that is as natural as it can be, no artificial colors. Do you know of any such play dough or do you have a recipe? I am part of a play group that has a half a dozen or so kids and the mothers are looking for such a play dough.

ANSWER: I have a recipe that I have used for years that is completely natural and easy to make - and vegan of course!

Natural Play Dough

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 cups hot water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar (a by-product of grape fermentation and a major component in baking powder. It's vegan, and if it's kept airtight, it lasts forever.)
2 tablespoons oil

Mix everything together in a pot. I've seen recipe instructions direct you to cook the dough over low heat while stirring but I found that entirely unnecessary and usually results in cooked dough stuck to the pot to clean up. Try my hot water and stir method and skip the cooking.

Once you have combined it all well in the pot and into a pliable dough turn it out onto a clean counter and knead it until it is smooth. My children love to do the kneading because the dough is nice and warm (make sure it's not hot) and the kneading feels so good! I often make a batch of this for an angry child. Kneading helps them release some of their anger energy!

You can also try some natural coloring. In place of all or some of the water you can use herbal teas that release color (hibiscus comes to mind for a nice pink color) for the water. You can also try adding some vegetable juices in place of some of the water for natural pink, green and orange colors.

Have fun!

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