Kidstuff!


Homemade Playdough

  • 2 CUPS FLOUR
  • 1 CUP SALT
  • 4 TBLS VEGETABLE OIL
  • 2 CUPS WATER WITH FOOD COLORING ADDED
  • 4 tsp. CREAM OF TARTER

ADD ALL INGREDIENTS INTO A LARGE PAN. STIR CONSTANTLY OVER A MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL IT FORMS A BALL. YOU DON'T WANT ANY MUSHY PARTS LEFT. TURN OUT ON A FLAT SURFACE, AND NEED A FEW TIMES. STORE IN AN AIR TIGHT CONTAINER. WILL KEEP A LONG TIME.

Gooey

  • 1 1/2 CUPS OF WARM WATER
  • 16 OZ. OF WHITE GLUE
  • FOOD COLORING
  • 1 1/3 CUPS OF WARM WATER
  • 3 tsp. BORAX LAUNDRY BOOSTER

MIX THE FIRST 3 INGREDIENTS IN A LARGE BOWL. MIX THE NEXT 2 INGREDIENTS UNTIL BORAX IS DISSOLVED. POUR THE BORAX MIXTURE INTO THE GLUE MIXTURE, MIXING UNTIL IT FORMS A SOLID. POUR OFF EXTRA LIQUID AND NEED THE SOLID A FEW TIMES. THIS CAN BE USED JUST LIKE PLAYDOUGH--KEEP OFF CARPET. STORE IN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.

The Human Canvas

Body painting in the bathtub is a great way to experiment with all sorts of color combinations, since the mess washes right off.

Appropriate ages: 12 months to 5 years

Mix a few drops of food coloring into liquid baby soap to make a thin, gel-like paint. For a thicker, glossier mixture, whip the sudsy paint with an egg beater or wire whisk. Show your child how to cover his feet in different hues, mix swirls on the tub walls, and paint stripes on his arms and polka dots on his tummy.

For a dry-land variation, which can be used on the face or on paper: Combine 1/4 cup cold cream, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup water, and a few drops of food coloring. This mixture has the consistency of paste and washes off with soap and water, but it will stain fabric, so make sure you both wear old clothes.

Julie Harris: PARENTING Magazine, October, 1997

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