Wow! You'll be amazed at the wonderful variety of play dough and modeling concoctions you can make--using some really fun ingredients! 

Tooth paste, potatoes, shampoo, peanut butter, oatmeal, coffee, frosting, lint, applesauce, soap, toilet paper, sawdust, cream cheese, cotton balls, newspaper strips and more. Kids of all ages love making and playing with play dough. It's not only fun but a great way to save program dollars!  Most of them are 'NO COOK'...so make it often!!! 

If you meant to look for goop, gak, slime and fun-type recipes Click here

1-2-3 PLAY DOUGH
One-cup cold water
One-cup salt
Two-teaspoons vegetable oil
Two tablespoons cornstarch
Three cups flour
Tempera paint or food coloring (adjust amount for color desired)
Mix the water, salt, oil and paint together.
Gradually work in the flour and cornstarch until you get the consistency of bread dough.

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 NO COOK KOOL AID PLAY DOUGH  #1

This is my favorite play dough because--it's fast--no cooking--easy ingredients and smells good---tastes bad...(Barb)
Need:
1 c flour, sifted
1/2 c salt
3 T cooking oil
1 pkg Kool-aid (unsweetened)
1 c boiling water
Mix together flour, salt, oil, and Kool-aid.
Add the cup of boiling water. Mix well.
Knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough.
Have fun!
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Your play dough will be the scent and color of the Kool-Aid!
*Any other unsweetened, powdered drink mix may be substituted.
*There may be colored hands but it washes off.
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KOOL AID PLAY DOUGH #2 
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
3 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 package Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Mix dry ingredients together in a large sauce pan. Slowly add water mixed with oil and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to dough. Turn out onto a heatproof bread board or counter top and knead until cool enough for children to handle. Dough will be the color of the Kool-Aid mix and will smell like the Kool-Aid mix. (Can be stored in a tightly covered container for up to six months)
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KOOL AID SCENTED PLAY DOUGH #3
2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. boiling water
1 tbsp. alum
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1-2 pkg. Kool-Aid (# of pkg. will determine color)
Mix dry ingredients.
Add boiling water and stir quickly.
Add cooking oil and mix well.
When cool enough, use hands.
Keeps well in airtight container in refrigerator.

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MICRO-WAVE PLAY DOUGH 
1 c. flour
3/4 c. water
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 pkg. unsweetened kool aid
1/2 c. salt
1 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tsp. powdered alum
Combine ingredients.
Heat in microwave and stir until mixture forms a soft ball.
Stir about every 10 seconds.
Put mixture on tray or wax paper and knead until cool.
Store in an airtight container. Source: Cooks.com

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BABY OIL PLAY DOUGH
Mix together:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups water plus food coloring
2 tablespoons baby oil (other oil can work, too)
Place over low heat and stir often until playdough is consistency of mashed potatoes. Knead when cool.

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MASHED POTATO PLAY DOUGH
Need: Five potatoes, Flour
Bake potatoes in their skins until they are 'eating consistency' soft. Peel and then mash the potatoes. Combine three cups flour to every four cups of mashed potato and roll until you form a good dough.

You can also make mashed potato mountains using INSTANT POTATO FLAKES  with a little less water than potato directions give. (You want a thicker consistency) When potatoes are cool, it is ready to use.

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JELL-O PLAY DOUGH 
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2 oz.) package "unsweetened" Jell-O
Mix all ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes.
Let cool and knead with floured hands until dry.
*Storage: This recipe needs to cool completely "before" storing it in an airtight container!
*Note: The items made from this play dough recipe can be painted when they are dry.

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BIRD SEED PLAY DOUGH

Birdseed
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
Water

Mix flour, salt & birdseed with sufficient water to make play dough texture. When done playing, place outside (with the children) in a sheltered area or tree for the birds!

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THREE SAND DOUGH RECIPES

 
SAND PLAY DOUGH #1
½ cup sand
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup boiling water
Mix ingredients together and knead.

SAND PLAY RECIPE #2
• 1 part white glue
• 2 parts flour
• 2 parts sand
• 2 parts water
Mix together to create a dough. You may need to add water or flour depending on the consistency.

SAND PLAY RECIPE #3
Add sand to quick set cement and follow the instructions for mixing the cement. Use this recipe when you have a mold or have created a pattern in the sand.

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HOMEMADE 'MOON' SAND (Way cheaper than buying it!)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups corn starch
6 cups play sand
Optional: Add package of Kool-aid if want it colored

Recipe for 1 batch...

1. First thoroughly mix together the sand,cornstarch and water. It will take a few minutes to get it smooth. Really work it in with your fingers...and then it's done!

2. You may need to add a bit more water--but be careful and add just a small amound at a time; it could get goopy.

3. When done--Place in an an airtight container. Next time, revive it with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Just sprinkle it over and work it in.

FYI:
•Play sand comes in a variety or colors. A 50lb bag of play sand is usually about $5.00.
•To use the entire 50 pounds, you'd need 24 boxes of cornstarch.
•It may not make perfect sand castles, but is fun to squeeze, squish, bury things, make hand prints & other shapes. Some have said their castles came out nicely! Let us know!

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PLAY DOUGH that LOOKS LIKE MUD!
Bring 3 cups water and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil to a boil.
While the mixture is heating, put 3 cups all purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cream of tarter, and 1 1/2 cups salt into a large bowl.

• Carefully mix the wet and dry together and knead until smooth.
•  For the SPRING time and MUD additions, add brown tempera paint (either dry or liquid) and 2 or 3 Tablespoons of coffee grounds. It really looks like dirt!

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MAKE MOON CRATERS
Materials Needed:
Liquid Starch
Rock Salt,
Glue with food coloring
Procedure:
Mix 1/2 cup of liquid starch with 2 cups of rock salt and 1/2 cup of glue plus food coloring or tempera.
This makes a gooey, rocky mixture.
Let the children freely pile onto cardboard to create a three dimensional structure.

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EDIBLE SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH

2 cups smooth peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats
2 cups dried milk
2/3 cups honey
Mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.
Storage: When not using, MUST be stored in an airtight container
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EDIBLE PEANUT BUTTER CLAY Recipe #2 
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 cups instant powdered milk
3 tablespoons honey
Stir together peanut butter, instant milk and honey. Knead dough until smooth. If dough is too moist, add more powdered milk. If dough is too dry, add more honey.
Store unused dough in the refrigerator
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#3 PEANUT BUTTER PLAY DOUGH (#3-similar to above)
Eight oz. peanut butter
Six tablespoons honey
Nonfat dry milk
Mix all ingredients, adding enough dry milk to make dough pliable

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COFFEE PLAY DOUGH
2 cups used coffee grounds
1 ½ cups cornmeal
½ cup salt
water
flour
Mix all ingredients until pliable. Add water, flour as needed to achieve a working consistency.

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 OATMEAL PLAY DOUGH 
One part flour
One part water
Two parts oatmeal
Mix all ingredients well until smooth. Knead and play.

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CHOCOLATE SCENTED PLAY DOUGH

(Non-Edible)
1 ¼ cups flour
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup salt
½ tablespoon cream of tartar
1 ½ tablespoons cooking oil
1 cup boiling water
Mix the dry ingredients. Add the oil and boiling water. Stir quickly, mixing well. When cool, mix with your hands.

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FROSTING PLAY DOUGH
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Storage Container
Refrigerator
   • Gather all ingredients, spoon and mixing bowl.
   • Mix together with spoon and hands until it reaches desired consistency.
   • This can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. Next time you want to use it, let it come to room temperature.

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 COTTON BALL PUFF DOUGH
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1 bag of white, cotton balls
Mix flour and water together to make a paste.
Roll cotton balls in the paste and carefully lift them out.
Excess paste will fall off.
Have  children form the dough into desired shapes on a baking sheet. Bake the shapes for one hour at 325 degrees.

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TOOTH PASTE PUTTY

½ tsp toothpaste (cream not gel)
1 tsp white glue
2 tsp cornstarch
½ tsp water
Mix toothpaste, glue and cornstarch. Add water until you have a lump of putty. Wash and dry hands. Squeeze and roll putty into a ball, the more it is rolled and pulled the better it gets. It will begin to dry in 20 minutes. Just add a drop of water to soften. Will dry rock hard in 24 hours.

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PAINTABLE PLAY DOUGH 
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3/4 cup boiling water
Mix the ingredients, knead once or twice.
Refrigerate until cold.
This recipe makes dough that is great for sculpting or molding.
Leave creation out until dry, then paint.

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WHITE BREAD DOUGH

 

#1 RECIPE
7 Pieces of White Bread
7 Tsp School Glue
1/2 Tsp Water
1/2 Tsp Dish soap
Instructions:
Need:
Stale white bread (Cut crusts off of bread) 
White glue
Tablespoon
Plastic baggie

• Break the bread into small pieces and put in a medium sized bowl.
• Add glue -- mix thoroughly.
• Add water and dish soap and mix until it's a nice clay consistency.
• If the mixture is too dry, add a bit more water. You can make shapes and let air dry. Takes about 24 hours.

#2 Recipe

• Take a white piece of stale bread and mix one tablespoon of white glue in a plastic baggie and knead until bread absorbs the glue.
• Take the clay out of the bag and knead until soft.
• You can also add food coloring before you add the bread.

The clay will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.

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BREAD CLAY
Ingredients:
6 slices white bread
6 tbsps. white glue
1/2 tsp. detergent or 2 tsp. glycerin
Food coloring
Instructions:
1.  Remove crusts from bread and knead with glue. Add either detergent or glycerin.
2.  Knead until no longer sticky.
3.  Separate into portions and add food coloring if desired.
4.  Shape and brush with equal parts of glue and water for a glossy coat. Allow to dry overnight to harden.
5.  Paint with acrylic paint. Seal with clear nail polish.
     (This version from Sarah in Oakbrook)

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CORNMEAL DOUGH

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup salt
Tempera paint for color
Water

Mix cornmeal, salt and paint  with enough water to make a play dough texture.

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MAKE FOSSILS with this recipe, or MOLD IT LIKE ANY OTHER PLAY DOUGH.
Need:
1 cup Used coffee grounds
1/2 cup Cold coffee
 1 cup Flour
1/2 cup Salt
Wax paper
Mixing bowl
Objects to make impressions: Small plastic animals, shells, leaves, etc.
Empty can or butter knife
Toothpicks

• Stir the coffee grounds, cold coffee, flour and salt until well mixed. Knead the dough together and flatten it out onto the waxed paper.
• Use the can to cut circles or the knife to cut slabs.
• Press your objects firmly into the dough, when you take the object out, you have your fossil.
• Let dry....
• If you want to hang the fossil, poke holes into the edge to be able to hang.
• Let dry overnight and hang.
  From: kid.lifetips.com

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JEWELRY CLAY 
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup cornstarch
Warm water
1.  Mix dry ingredients together.
2.  Gradually add warm water until the mixture can be kneaded into shapes.
3.  (Good idea to have an Adult supervise  with younger children so the mix doesn't become too watery.

TO FORM BEADS WITH JEWELRY CLAY: Break dough into little balls, rolling it to the desired shape; pierce the balls with toothpicks. Allow the balls to dry.
When dry, paint and string the beads.

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PLAIN OLD MUD!
Just go outdoors and get a shovel full of dirt.
Place it in a bowl and add a small amount of water.
To dry the mud creations, just put creations out in in the sun!

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VEGETABLE COLORED PLAY DOUGH
1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
Choice of Beet, Spinach or Carrot juice

• Mix flour, salt and oil, and slowly add water.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring until dough becomes stiff.
• Turn out onto wax paper and let cool.
• Knead the dough until of the proper consistency.
• This can be used without the color or divide into balls and add a few drops of the vegetable juices.
• Spinach juice makes green; Beet juice makes pink and Carrot juice makes orange.

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DRYER LINT MODELING MATERIAL
3 cups Lint (from laundry dryers)
2 cups Cold or warm water
2/3 cups Non-self-rising wheat flour
3 drops oil of wintergreen
Old newspaper Put lint and water in a large saucepan.

• Stir to dampen all parts of the lint.
• Add flour and stir thoroughly to prevent lumps.
• Add oil of wintergreen.
• Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture holds together and forms peaks.
• Pour out onto several thicknesses of newspaper to cool.
• You can play with it as dough or...press over a mold or use as you would paper-mâché pulp. You can  shaped over boxes, bottles, balloons, etc.
  *This material will dry in 3 to 5 days to a very hard, durable surface.

When wet it has a felt like consistency. It dries to smooth or rough, depending on how it is used. When pressed into a mold, a hard, smooth finish is obtained. *Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for several days.

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SPARKLING SNOW DOUGH
2 cups water
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
4 tsp. oil
Iridescent glitter
1.  Combine ingredients in a heavy saucepan.
2.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon- until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan.
3.  Form dough into a ball, place on waxed paper and cool.

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SAWDUST DOUGH

1 cup sawdust, ½ cup wall paper paste, water
Mix sawdust and paste together adding enough water to form a soft putty like mixture.

SAWDUST MODELING CLAY
Materials:
4 cups sifted sawdust,
1½ cups dry wallpaper paste,
¼ cup plaster of paris
Procedure:
Mix ingredients together and add water to make mixture the consistency of clay.
Let projects dry naturally in the sun or a well-ventilated place.
To store the mixture, cover with a damp cloth or plastic bag.

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HOMEMADE SNOW (It doesn't melt!)
Need:
Four bars of Ivory Soap
Twelve rolls of toilet paper
3 cups borax
Warm water
Large plastic tub with a tight lid.

• Unroll and shred toilet paper into plastic tub.
• Add water until paper is covered.
• Grate the soap into the soaking paper.
• Add the borax.
• If the mixture ends up too wet, drain over a fine screen or cheese
  cloth.
  Play with SCOOPS, AND BOWLS, AND MOLDS.
  *This will keep for several weeks in an airtight container if no ingredients are added.

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APPLESAUCE AND CINNAMON PLAY DOUGH

See two other more exact recipes to create Holiday ornaments here...

1 Cup Applesauce
1 Cup Cinnamon
Instructions:
1.  Mix the applesauce and the cinnamon until it gets to a nice clay consistency.
2.  If too sticky, add a bit more cinnamon or even a touch of flour.
3.  You can make shapes and designs or use cookie cutters.
4.  Put the shapes in a warm, dry spot to dry - this takes a few days!
5.  You now have sweet-smelling sculptures to decorate and/or paint.

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GINGERBREAD CINNAMON DOUGH
Ingredients:
1 cup ground cinnamon
1 tsp of ginger
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup white school glue (optional)

Add the cinnamon and ginger to the applesauce. You can also add glue for added thickness.
Store unused dough in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

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GINGER BREAD PLAYDOUGH
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
1 tbsp. ground ginger
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup water
Mix together and knead until smooth.

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HOLIDAY PLAYDOUGH 
1 Cup flour,
1/2 Cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 cup water,
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Spices: cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Nutmeg OOKIE CLAY
This recipe is meant to be rolled out, cut with cookie cutters, and left to dry. Great for ornaments!
2 cups Salt
2/3 cups Water
1 cup Cornstarch
1/2 cup Cold water
Mix salt with water in saucepan.
Stir and boil.
Add cornstarch and cold water.
Keep heating if it does not get thick.
Roll out dough on board floured with cornstarch.
Dry and decorate ornaments.

• Mix the dry ingredients.
• Add spices a small amount at a time until the dough smells and looks like you want it too.
• Mix water and oil together first and then add them to the dry ingredients and stir.
• In a pot, cook the mixture for two to three minutes, stirring frequently. The dough will start to pull away from the sides of the pot and stick together.
• When this happens, take the play dough out of the pan and knead the dough until it becomes soft and smooth.
• Allow the dough to cool and then store it in an airtight container.

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SWEET SMELLING GLOP 

Mix three parts flour, one part white glue, and one part thick shampoo. Add food coloring if desired. Makes a sweet-smelling mixture for modeling.

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BASIC ART DOUGH

4 cups flour
1 cup iodized salt
1 3/4 cups warm water
1.  Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2.  Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
3.  Use and model it as with any clay.
4.  Bake the sculpture at 300 degrees until hard.
5.  Let it air dry a few days.

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BASIC ART DOUGH: BAKED Good for making gifts!
1.  In a bowl, mix together 2 coups flour and ½ cup salt.
2.  Stir in ¾ cup water.
3.  Knead the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is smooth and pliable.
4.  If the dough is too dry, add a few drops water.
5.  If it is too sticky, add a small amount of flour.
6.  Have children mold the dough into shapes and press in decorations when desired. (See a couple ideas in gift thread)

Place the decorated shapes on a baking sheet and bake them at 300 degrees F for about 4 hours, or until hard.
If desired, when shapes are cool and dry, in an area away from the youth, spray the painted or unpainted shapes with a clear fixative.

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PLAY CLAY

3/4 cp salt (175ml)
3/3 cup water (175 ml)
1 tsp. (ml) vegetable oil
2 cups (500 ml) flour
Large mixing bowl
1. Mix the salt, water, and vegetable oil in bowl.
2. Add the flour a little at a time--amd mix until it forms a ball.
3. Knead the ball of dough for about 10 minutes,
4. Store the clay in a sealed container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

When it is used--make items and place on a cookie sheet. Allow 48 hours for most items  to dry. They can then be painted with a light coat of acrylic paint. (This recipe is used in Halloween Craft category to make Boney Knockers)

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 CLEAN MUD

Start by having children tear three rolls of toilet tissue into small pieces. Place the pieces into a plastic dish pan. Next, add 2 bars of Ivory soap, that you have shaved into small pieces. Finally, add 8 to 12 cups of warm water. Let children take turns playing with the mixture.

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NO COOK COLD WATER PLAY DOUGH
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 Tbs. cooking oil
1 to 1 1/2 cups cold water
Food coloring
1.  Mix flour, salt, oil.
2.  Add food coloring to water.
3.  Gradually add water to flour mixture.
4.  Knead.
5.  Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

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 SALT PLAY DOUGH
One-cup salt
One-cup water
1/2 cup flour
1.  Mix ingredients and cook over medium heat.
2.  Remove from heat when mixtures looks thick and rubbery.
3.  As the mixture cools, slowly roll in flour until it cools into dough.

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SOAPY DOUGH

Two cups flour
1/2 cup salt
Two tablespoons liquid tempera paint
One tablespoon liquid soap
1/2 cup water
1.  Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl and then mix the liquid ingredients in another.
2.  Stir the two mixtures together and knead until pliable.

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SHAMPOO DOUGH
3/4 cup flour
1/4 to 1/3 cup white glue
1/4 cup thick shampoo
1.  Mix ingredients in bowl; add more flour if needed for consistency.
2.  Roll, cut and model it as desired.
3.  Air dry it and then paint.
Warning: Because of the shampoo, this can be toxic if eaten.

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EDIBLE CREAM CHEESE DOUGH

8 oz. package of cream cheese
1/2 cup non-fat dry milk
1 tablespoon honey
Crackers or bread slices

• Combine cream cheese, milk and honey in a bowl and mix until well blended.
• Mold sculptures on wax paper.
• Unused portions must be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated!
• Because cream cheese is perishable, use the expiration date on the cream cheese package as your guide for how long you can keep this play dough.

 Note: The shapes can then be placed on crackers or bread slices, decorated with celery or carrot slivers, raisins, dried fruit pieces, nuts, or seeds for a healthy snack…

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EDIBLE CANDY PLAY DOUGH
Materials:
1/3 cup margarine
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 pound box of powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Food coloring
1/4 tsp. salt

• Mix all ingredients except powdered sugar.
• When all is combined add powdered sugar.
• Knead until smooth.
• Play and eat!

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DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN THAT ARE ALLERGIC TO GLUTEN? Here are two recipes that you can safely use with your children. Play Doh, the popular compound that is often purchased for children's play, contains gluten--- which makes it unsafe for children with celiac disease. This recipe is from the Celiac Sprue Association.

GLUTEN FREE PLAY DOUGH
Ingredients:  

  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1/2 cup corn starch
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tarter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp cooking oil
  • Food coloring, if desired

PREPARATION: Mix ingredients. Cook and stir on low heat for 3 minutes or until mixture forms a ball. Cool completely before storing in a sealable plastic bag.
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This is also safe for children with a gluten allergy...
WHITE GOOP
Something fun to play with that's messy but easy to clean up!
Ingredients:
1 part corn starch
2 parts water
Directions:
Mix ingredients together until smooth. Enjoy!
Suggestion:
Try to make a ball with the mixture. Note how it kind of keeps its shape as long as you are working with it, but as soon as you stop, it "melts" through your fingers.

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MAKE PAPER PULP...AN ALTERNATIVE TO CLAY!

Put a cup of shredded newspaper into a blender.
Add 2 cups water.
BLEND WELL. Very well.
Strain the mixture so that it is mushy, but still very wet. (Adjust paper and water according to the amount you need.) Shannon Stewart, Stetson Hills School, Phoenix, AZ.

If you'd like to make PULP PAPER NECKLACES and ornaments visit the Craft Category! Directions are at the bottom of that page.

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IDEAS TO MAKE BASIC PLAY DOUGH RECIPES "SPECIAL"...

 FOR COLOR YOU CAN ADD...
     • Food coloring
     • Kool-Aid or
     • Fruit-flavored Gelatin

TO ADD A "SCENT'...
    • Lemon oil
    • Peppermint oil
    • Vanilla extract
    • Gingerbread Scent: Ground Cinnamon & Ginger
    • Kool-aid will also add a scent...

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Add glitter for "SPARKLE"

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TO MAKE BETTER PLAYDOUGH TIP:

Try substituting baby oil for vegetable oil in play dough recipes. The smell is wonderful and the play dough itself will not mold or get a rancid odor. It remains soft for a very long time.

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WHEN MAKING THESE RECIPES PLEASE NOTE:

1. Food coloring and Kool-Aid is fun to use with these recipes; however, be aware that it can stain hands and clothes.

2. Do not put these substances down drain, they can cause havoc in the plumbing.

3. Wear gloves when touching Borax because some people are allergic to the powder. It's also a good idea for children to wear safety glasses.

4. For recipes that call for alum...if you can not find in food-market, it can be purchased at a drug store.

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Have great fun with paint using all kinds of ingredients! Pudding, Corn Syrup, Kool-Aid, Yogurt, Soap, Powdered Milk and more!

 

 KOOL-AID PAINT
2 packages unsweetened Kool-aid
2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
3 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons oil
Mix dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients. Paint.

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EAGLE BRAND MILK PAINT
Add food coloring to Eagle Brand Condensed Milk and create paint. When the "paint" dries on paper, it will be shiny.

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CORN STARCH PAINT
   • Add cold water to 3/4 cup cornstarch to make a smooth, THICK paste. Stir in boiling water until mixture is DESIRED consistency. It should be thick and nearly clear. 
   • Spoon mixture into paint cups and stir 3 or 4 teaspoons of liquid tempera into each cup. This nearly drip-less paint is ready to use for painting... or finger-painting; Store unused paint in refrigerator.

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POPSICLE PAINT
Materials:
2 tsp. powdered tempera paint
1/3 cup water
Wax-coated paper cup
Craft stick
Plastic wrap

1. Mix paint and water together.
2. Pour the mixture into a wax coated paper cup.
3. Cover the cup with plastic wrap, then insert the craft stick through the plastic wrap in the center of the cup.
4. Place the cup in the freezer and freeze until solid.
5. Remove the paper cup and plastic wrap from the Freeze Pop Paint.
6. Dip the paint into water and paint on white paper.

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FOUR RECIPES FOR FLOUR PAINT

QUICK AND EASY  MICROWAVE PUFF PAINT
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon self-rising flour
Few little drops of food coloring
1 tablespoon salt
Add some water till it a smooth paste.
1.  Use this to paint on a thick sheet of cardboard.
You can also use Q-Tips if not enough brushes...
Microwave the design on high for 10 - 30 seconds until the paint puffs and it is dry.

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PUFF PAINT #2
1 c. water
1 c. flour
1 c. salt
Separate into different squirt bottles and add POWDERED TEMPERA PAINT to create a rainbow of colors.
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PUFF PAINT #3
Salt, Flour. Water, Tempera Paint
Mix equal amounts of flour, salt and water. Add LIQUED TEMPERA paint for color. Pour mixture into squeeze bottles and paint. Mixture hardens in a puffy shape.
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FLOUR FINGER PAINT #4
This fingerpaint has a wonderfully thick texture and makes great finger paintings.
1.  Combine 2 cups flour and 4 cups of water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2.  Heat in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, or until thickened, making sure to stir the mixture every 30 seconds. (Or cook in a saucepan over low heat until thickened.)
3.  Add a pinch of salt.
4.  Mix in food coloring or tempera paint until finger-paint is the desired color.
5.  Cool and store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
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EDIBLE FINGER PAINT
Ingredients:
3 Tbs. Sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 cups cold water
Mix sugar and cornstarch. Add 2 cups of cold water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thick. Add food coloring

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INVISIBLE PAINT
Materials:
4T (60ml) Cup of water
4T (60ml) baking soda
Cotton swab (Q Tip)
Sheet of white paper
Purple grape juice
1.  To make the paint, dissolve the baking soda in the water.
2.   Dip the cotton swab in the cup and paint a picture.
Hard to see?
3.  Simply brush over the picture with purple grape juice. The picture mysteriously appears in blue-green colors.

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SOAP CRAYONS Ingredients: Ivory soap flakes, food coloring, water, plastic ice cube trays 
Pour 1/8 cup of water into a measuring cup.  Fill to the one cup mark with soap flakes. Mix until you have a thick paste. Add several drops of food color. You'll find that you don't have to use much. Press spoonfuls of soap into the ice cube tray.

 
Repeat this with several different colors. Let it dry for a few days

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SCRATCH & SNIFF PAINT RECIPE
1.  Mix flavored gelatin or Kool aid package into half the water suggested in the package directions.
2.  Paint with the scented mixture and allow to dry. You will have a scratch and sniff painting...
TIP: Careful, gelatin (especially red) stains hands and clothing...

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CHOCOLATE FINGER PAINT

1  (4 oz.) pkg. instant chocolate pudding & pie filling
2  Cup cold milk

   • Put pudding mix and milk in a medium size bowl. 
   • Beat with electric mixer at low speed for two minutes. 
   • Let set until it thickens. Finger paint on white construction paper and let dry for several hours.
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VANILLA EDIBLE FINGER PAINT
Instant Vanilla Pudding
Food Coloring
Mix pudding according to directions. Add food coloring for desired color.

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COFFEE SCENTED PAINT...
1.  Dry used coffee grounds and add them to finger-paint.
2.  You'll get the smell of coffee with a texture...
     Good for younger children when studying the five senses.

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SHAVING CREAM PAINTING--USING SHAMPOO INSTEAD!...

Mix 3 teaspoons Shampoo with a small amount of water in a mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until it becomes like shaving cream. Add food coloring for color... Smells much better than shaving cream!

 **Of course you can also use aerosol (non-menthol) to spread around and use to "paint"...

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EDIBLE YOGURT FINGER PAINT: Non-toxic and can be kept/restored in fridge using the yogurt container. Use plain yogurt and mix with a few drops of food coloring. Dries shiny and with texture.

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WINDOW PAINT

To paint a scene on your windows use the following recipe and paint is easily removed. Give each child a window to decorate.
2 Tbsp powdered tempera paint
1 Tbsp warm water
1 tsp Joy dish washing liquid

• Measure powdered paint into a container.
• Mix in water thoroughly to achieve a smooth paste.
• Add JOY, mixing completely, but gently, to avoid making paint too sudsy.
• Use masking tape to protect the window frame and be sure to spread newspaper around to protect the area.
• To remove paint or touch up mistakes just wipe it off with a dry paper towel.
• Tip: Paint with one color at a time and allow it to dry before going to the next color.
• This dries on windows in 5 - 10 minutes.
• Washes off easily with a solution of water and vinegar

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GLITTER
Mix together 5-6 drops of food coloring and 1/2 c. salt---stir well.
Cook in microwave for 1-2 minutes or spread out on a piece of waxed paper to air-dry.
Store in an airtight container...

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SQUEEZE BOTTLE GLITTER
1 part flour
1 part salt
1 part water

• Mix equal parts of flour, salt and water.
• Pour into plastic squeeze bottles.
• Add liquid coloring for variety.
• Squeeze onto heavy construction paper or cardboard.
• The salt gives the designs a glistening quality when dry.

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POWDERED MILK PAINT
Ingredients:
1 part powdered nonfat milk
1 part cup water
powdered tempera
1.  Mix milk and water until milk is dissolved.
2.  Separate mixture into different containers.
3.  Add in different colored powdered tempera and mix.
4.  This paint dries quickly to a glossy opaque finish and does not dust, chip or come off on your hands.

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PAINT WITH WATER

   • When it's warm outside, it's fun to "paint with water" on sidewalks and rocks...

   • Also inside on chalkboards (NO paint--just water)

   • It's great for younger kids to practice writing!!!

   • Try painting with a tiny brush and water on the lines of a drawing done with washable markers. It bleeds the "marker- marks". You can use a Q-tip instead of a brush, to help control "over watering" the art.

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*Idea: PAINT WITH CORN SYRUP

 

Just add a few drops of food coloring to a teaspoon of white corn syrup.

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Idea: USE CHALK AND LIQUID STARCH!
Draw your pictures with chalk and then brush over them with liquid starch.

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SIDE WALK PAINT

A fun alternative to chalk!

 

• You will need equal portions of water and corn starch.
• Mix well.
• Add a drop of your favorite food coloring color!
• Paint this wonderful concoction on the sidewalk. Give it a few minutes to dry and you'll have a wonderful work of ART!  (Cornstarch Paint in cupcake tins photo from Craft Addict) 

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SIDEWALK CHALK 
1/3 cp Plaster of Paris (Quick setting) 
3 t. water
1 T. paint
Glitter (optional)
Mix all ingredients.
Scoop into empty toilet paper tube.
Let set for 20 minutes.
Peel off cardboard. Let dry for one day.

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HOMEMADE WATER COLORS
4 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon glycerin (available at your local pharmacy)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Red, blue, yellow food coloring
1. Mix the vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl or jar until mixture stops foaming.
2.  Add the glycerin and cornstarch and stir thoroughly.
3.  Pour the mixture into small containers or paint box compartments.
4.  Now you can experiment with color by adding a few drops of food coloring to each individual container.
5.  Mix each color thoroughly and leave (preferably overnight) to set.

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RICE FINGER PAINT (Good for Toddlers to Pre-K)
Mix baby rice cereal with water and food coloring.

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HOMEMADE WASHABLE PAINT to stretch liquid tempera paint...
Materials
Liquid Tempera Paint
Ivory Snow or Dreft Liquid Detergent
1. mix 3/4 cups of paint to 1/4 cup liquid detergent
2. stir well
**This mixture is economical and as good as the commercial washable paint.

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SPRAY KOOL-AID
Sprinkle kool-aid crystals onto a piece of paper. Have children spray water from a spray bottle onto the paper. Use different colored kool-aid mix.

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UNCOOKED LAUNDRY STARCH PAINT
Mix 1 cup laundry/liquid starch, 1 cup cold water, and 3 cups soap
flakes to provide a quick fingerpaint.

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DRY LAUNDRY STARCH PAINT

1 cup  dry laundry starch
1 cup  mild soap powder
2 Tb. powdered tempera
1 cup water
Combine all ingredients. Beat the mixture until it is smooth. Add more water if mixture is too thick.

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 MAKE NEW CUPCAKE TIN CRAYONS

  1.  Take the paper off old crayons
2.  Break them into pieces.
3.  Spray muffin/cupcake tins with nonstick spray or lightly coat with oil----OR---Line the cups of a miniature muffin tin with aluminum foil cupcake liners of regular liners 3 each deep.
4.  Put crayon pieces into muffin tins and melt in an oven at 250 degrees until just melted ...you can mix the crayons in the tins but you may want to have separate colors as well.

 

Let tins cool...
Turn over and rap back of tins hard.
**You can use a toothpick to make a swirl effect in the wax before it cools. Just be careful, the wax is very HOT!

 

 

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WANT TO ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR PAINT?

Try adding:
  • Coffee grounds
  • Salt
  • Rice
  • Soap Flakes
  • Syrup
  • Cornmeal
  • Oatmeal
  • Sugar
  • Glue
  • Sand
  • Baby Powder
  • Glitter
  • Baking Powder
  • Flour
  • Non Menthol Shaving Cream

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FOUR FACE PAINT RECIPES

FACE PAINT #1 (Clown Paint)
1/8 cup Baby Lotion
1/4 tsp. powdered Tempera paint
1 squirt liquid dishwashing soap
This is easily removed by soap and water.
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FACE PAINT RECIPE #2 (For six colors)
6 tablespoons of corn starch; divided
3 tablespoons of water; divided
3 tablespoons of cold cream; divided
6 cup muffin tin
Food coloring
1.  In each cup of the muffin tin put 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of cold cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of water.
2.  Add a different color food coloring to each cup.
3.  Mix well.
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FACE PAINT #3 (For one color)
Materials
1 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. water
1/2 tsp. cold cream
Food coloring
1.  Mix cornstarch and cold cream together until smooth.
2.  Mix in water and food coloring. Use a small brush to paint designs on the children's faces.
3.  Store in an airtight container.
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FACE PAINT #4
Materials
1 Tbs. Crisco shortening
2 Tbs. cornstarch
Food coloring
1.  Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
2.  Use sponge or fingers to apply to face.
3.  Wash with soap and water.

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EDIBLE FRUIT LIP GLOSS
Materials:

• Flavored drink mix
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• Food coloring
• Small container such as a film container
  1. Mix one packet of drink mix with shortening.
  2. Add in a few drops of food coloring that matches the flavor. ie: yellow for lemon.
  3. Pack in small container, such as a film container, and you have wonderful tasting and smelling lip gloss. Of course the lip gloss is edible should some accidentally be licked off.
  

  

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  Coloring pasta is easy to do and gives kids something bright and beautiful to work with. Once the pasta is colored and dried, it can be used for crafts, art work, collages, necklaces and more!

  COLORING PASTA RECIPE #1
  Pour approximately 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol into each bowl.
  Add 10 or so drops of food coloring into each bowl, one bowl for each color.
  Drop the pasta into the bowl and stir gently with a spoon for a few seconds.
  Remove the pasta from the bowl and allow to dry for several hours on a paper plate or paper towel.
  The colors will brighten as the pasta dries.

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COLORING PASTA #2...
1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
1 tablespoon of food coloring of your choice
2 cups of pasta of your choice
1 quart zip lock freezer bag
Large paper grocery bags, paper towel, or paper plates to dry the pasta after colored...
Pour alcohol and food coloring in a Ziplock freezer bag. Zip it and shake to mix...when mixed add the pasta.
Make sure the bag is zipped; turn the bag over and over on the table to evenly coat the pasta.
 Leave pasta in the bag for about an hour.
Turn it over after 30 minutes to evenly coat it.
Pour it out onto the paper bags, towel or plates... dry over night.

Children can do this for you. Just put the alcohol into the bags ahead of time. Provide 1 cup measuring cups and measuring spoons. Let the children choose the color and the pasta to put in their bags. Make sure all bags or closed tight. An adult needs to pour the pasta out to dry.

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COLORED RICE
Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked, white rice
1 teaspoon alcohol
Food coloring
Directions
1.  Combine the alcohol with four or five drops of food coloring in a plastic zipper bag.
2.  Add rice and shake until color is evenly distributed.
3.  Spread colored rice onto a cookie sheet and let dry. (If it's sunny and not windy, rice can be dried outside.)
Suggestions:  Glue onto construction paper to create unique pictures.

 

MIXING PAINT COLORS to get what you want...

   • Red + White = Pink 
   • Purple (mix red + blue) + White = Lilac 
   • Orange (mix red + yellow) + White = Peach 
   • Black + White = Gray 
   • Green + White = Mint Green 
   • Blue + White = Sky Blue 
   • Yellow + White = Pale Yellow 
   • Blue + Green = Turquoise 
   • Red + Green + Blue = Brown 
   • Orange + Red = Red-Orange 
   • Purple + Red = Fushcia 
   • Brown + Black = Dark Brown

TIP: INSTEAD OF BRUSHES--PAINT WITH THESE...

• Squeeze bottles
• Eyedroppers
• Fly swatters
• Roll-on deodorant bottles
• Bingo dabbers/markers
• Spray bottles
• Marbles, ping pong balls, golf balls 
• Spoons and forks
• String
• Cooked spaghetti noodles
• Yarn
• Bark
• Combs
• Brushes
• Tooth brushes (Flick the bristles)
• Feathers
• Ice
• Foods (Fruit and Vegetables)
• Cotton balls
• Q-tips
• Soap-free scouring pads
• Sponges
• Shoe polish applicators
• Pipe cleaners
• Items from nature with a flat side: shells, rocks, leaves, twigs, branches, etc.
• Bottle caps
• Jar lids
• Crumpled Saran wrap
• Corn cobs
• Koosh balls
• Balloons
• Plastic animals (feet)
• Toy cars (roll the wheels through paint)
• Bubble wrap
• Candy "Peeps" in Spring
• Hands, fingers, arms, toes, feet

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NATURAL DYES
You can get color by collecting items from nature, such as grasses, leaves, and berries!
1.  Cut a 7" x 14" piece of muslin.
2.  Place the items on one half of the fabric, then fold the other half over.
3.  Have the children pound the items through the muslin with a small hammer or mallet. This will make a wonderful hanging.

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Click for two pages of 70 great ART Activity Ideas! Tons of creative ideas!

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