homemade play dough

We're kind of stuck in the house these days.  One child is sick which means EVERYBODY has to stay home.  It's brutally hot which means no one wants to go outside except for a few minutes early in the morning.  I'm sorry, but I melt when it reaches 99 degrees before noon.  Ugh... I hate hot, hot weather like this!

I've been trying to find things for the kiddos to do that keeps all ages happy reasonably satisfied.  I pulled out the trusty play dough recipe today when I discovered the play dough had all turned to rock.  I love this recipe!
1 c flour
1/2 c salt
1 c water
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 T cooking oil

Combine all ingredients and cook over low heat until thick.  Don't get discouraged if it takes too long, just keep stirring!  Once, it's firmed I like to give the dough a good kneading on a well-floured surface until it's a good consistency.  Then simply add the food coloring of your choice!  Quick and easy.

It might not look like in the photo, but there is a difference between the purple and the blue!

Crayon Ice Cubes

Finally, I delved into the world of melted crayons!  It seems like everyone has done this craft with their kids, except me.   Instead of using candy molds, I used an old ice cube tray from my baby food making days.   We filled the holes with broken crayons and I popped that thing right into the 300 degree oven.  I had my fingers crossed the whole time that the tray wouldn't melt right along with the crayons!  Luckily, it didn't or there would have been a HUGE mess to clean up and this post would be quite a bit different.    I think they turned out cute as can be and they are the perfect size for little hands.  Now, go make some!