How to Make Playdough

This recipe should produce enough for about four people to use. When mixed and stored correctly, it will be easy to squeeze and manipulate. Before you get started creating, you'll need to gather your supplies.

Here's what you'll need:

• Medium-size pot or saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup salt
• 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Zip-top bags
• Food coloring
• Cookie cutters
• Rolling pin

Tip: You can also add scents to your dough. Adults looking for a fun way to relieve stress can even add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oils to make it extra relaxing.

Once you've prepped your supplies, it's time to get cooking.

• Add the flour, salt and cream of tartar to a medium sauce pan. Use your wooden spoon to mix the items together.
• Next, add the water and vegetable oil, stirring to combine all ingredients. Then, turn
  the heat to medium.
• Stir constantly until the mixture forms a solid lump of dough (this should take about 2 minutes; the consistency will be similar to refrigerated sugar cookie dough). Remove from the heat.

Once the dough is finished, let it cool. Then, knead the dough until it's smooth.

Next, using your scraper or bread knife, divide the dough into sections to prep them for coloring.

It's time to start adding color.

• Separate your divided dough sections into baggies, depending on how many colors you want.
• Add food coloring (this will take more than a few drops) to each baggie.
• Squish the dough around inside to incorporate all the color.

Tip: Don't be afraid to mix up some colors. It's a great way to teach young kids about colors as well as add vibrant shades for your creations.

Want to make fun shapes? Break out the rolling pin and cookie cutters.

• Remove the dough from the bag and place it on the counter or surface of your choice.
• Using your rolling pin, smooth out the dough before using your cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

Now, play! Shape, mold and sculpt it any which way you like. While we opted for a pizza and planets, cookie cutters and a little imagination will help you create just about anything easily.

Once you're done, store in the fridge in airtight containers for up to one month.