More on Making Toys

Can you do a home improvement project by yourself? Norma Vally thinks so. Tune in to "Toolbelt Diva" on the Discovery Home Channel and find out what you can fix on your own.

How to Make Play Dough

What child doesn't enjoy modeling? This smooth-textured, easy-to-shape dough is far superior to the expensive brand-name variety. It's simple enough to let the kids help with the "cooking."

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Measuring cup
  • Measuring spoons
  • 2-quart saucepan
  • Locking plastic bag or air-tight container

Ingredients:

  • Flour
  • Salad oil
  • Alum
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Food coloring as desired

Yield: 3 cups

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of salad oil, and 2 tablespoons of alum; stir with a fork to moisten the dry ingredients evenly. Set aside. Measure 2 cups of water into a 2-quart saucepan; add 1/2 cup salt and food coloring as desired. Heat to a boil and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the salt dissolves.

Add the hot water solution to the flour mixture in the bowl and stir to blend thoroughly. Let cool slightly; then knead the dough until it's soft and pliable. Store dough between uses in a locking plastic bag or an air-tight container.

If your child feels like switching media -- or even doing mixed-media -- see the next page for instructions on making your own poster paints.

For more information on do-it-yourself projects, try the following links: