Here’s the recipe: (if you don’t have real measuring cups just choose any drinking cup and use that.)
Mix the following measurements into a bowl (so your child can have a go at mixing) or straight into the pan
* 3 cups of water
* 3 cups of plain flour
* 1.5 cups of salt
* 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
* 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar (or a big squeeze of lemon juice)
* quite a few drops of colouring and strawberry flavouring
Put into a pan and heat it over a low heat, stirring occasionally so that it doesn’t stick. After about 5 minutes it will start to peel away from the sides and make a big ball in the middle of the pan. When it has all come together, take it out and knead it for a couple of minutes. It should smell fabulous!
At this stage I added a sprinkle of red glitter and a handful of sequins to make it sparkle.
Mixing up the gloopy mess before being transferred to the pan.
Then have fun with it! We did some hacking into it with plastic cutlery, rolling with a rolling pin and cutting out with heart shaped cutters.
I still have to help her with the rolling at this stage, but she likes to do the cutting out by herself.
These heart shaped silicone cup-cake cases were useful for making little heart cakes in. She still loves making play dough cakes ever since we first did it together. Read about our first play dough cup cakes here. Adding simple, cheap things like paper cases, candles and decorations can transform a play dough session into a real opportunity for imaginative play together.
There was a lot of counting going on as part of the role play baking. Today I heard 1,2,3,4 in the correct order for the first time.
A dozen heart cakes for Valentine’s Day!
Play dough is one of the very best activities for strengthening the small muscles in the hands, preparing young children for using scissors, paintbrushes and eventually writing.
And a giant heart cake for daddy when he gets home.
This is the first occasion where she hasn’t tried to eat (or at least lick!) the play dough, even though it smelt so delicious. At nearly two and a half we are finally making progress 🙂
This activity is good for:
* creative development
* fine motor skills
* using the senses
* talking about sizes, counting, shapes
* knowledge and understanding of the world (recipes, cooking, change in materials)
This idea is shared at:
Rachael says
Looks like a lot of fun. I have made lemon playdough before and it smelt wonderful.
Thanks for this idea I will try and make some over the weekend for my girls x
Mommy Sarah says
Following over from Show and Tell! I LOVE the Strawberry Playdough! My 3.5 year old was just looking with me and wanted to make it right away! My two attempt at homemade playdough though ends up with super sticky dough the 2nd day. Any advice? It was basically the same recipe as you used. The last batch we made was with mint flavoring, green food coloring, and lots of purple glitter! I really love the cupcake idea, we are doing that for sure next we make playdough!!
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Fiona says
Fab!!! I lurve homemade playdough! I opted for chocolate flavour for this month! x
Anna @ The Imagination Tree says
Mmmm, lemon and chocolate flavours sound fabulous too! Fiona, I followed that link to the chocolate box play dough and I just have to try it! Brilliant idea.
Sarah, I’m not sure what to suggest. That has happened to my dough before but only after I have had it stored for way too long in an air-tight container (think 6 months or so!) Do you add the cream of tartar? Maybe try an extra half cup of flour? Try this recipe above as it is the best one I have used (and I have tried a fair few over the years now!) Hope it works for you.
Pam says
This looks like great fun! We haven’t made playdough cupcakes before…I think we may need to try this SOON! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Kristi @ Creative Connections for Kids says
I love all of the sensory components of your dough! The “valentiney” color, the scent, the sparkles. Very bright, cheery, and fun!
Elle Belles Bows says
Fabulous idea! Love your pictures too! Makes me want to jump in a play! I am going to give it a try! Kerri
TP Craft says
Great idea! I love the idea of using the candles and the cupcake liners.
Leila says
This is fantastic! I am so glad I stumbled on your blog. Love it!
Lindsay says
very fun! I made some strawberry playdough this week too. I used a packet of koolaid this time though 🙂
sarahssweeties says
I love it! Very cute little cupcakes, too!
Drea says
So neat! I’ll have to bookmark this for next year! Or maybe we can do a Strawberry unit in summer. 🙂
Shauna says
Your play-doh looks fabulous! My girls would absolutely love making and playing with it. Thanks for sharing this great post.
Anonymous says
WE will have to try this. Please add my e-mail address to get your blog. Thank you. Susan stevac@bellsouth.net
noahandlylasmommi says
Ohhh cant wait to make this. I know my 4 yr old will just love it!
Anonymous says
So nice to see these great inspiring ideas and different ways to be creative with children! thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Can’t wait to try
funtastic learning tree says
How adorable and fun. I love the pictures myself and love what you’r doing with this child. Funtastic learning
Anonymous says
how long does your playdough last?