DIY Glitter Play Dough

We have tried a few play dough recipes over the years and despite all the minor variations, I don't think there is truly a whole lot of difference. Really, any homemade play dough trumps store-bought, hands-down. There are a few reasons for this:
1) It always lasts a lot longer.
2) It always smells much nicer.
3) It is always softer and easier to work with.
4) You always know what is in it so it isn't too terribly frightening if when one of the kids inevitably samples some.
5) It saves you money.
6) It's fun to make it and the kids can help, too.

That said, this is one of my favorite recipes for play dough, and we've been using this recipe for over a year. The fun thing about this version is, of course, the addition of glitter. Despite what you may be thinking, this is not that messy. The dough actually holds the glitter quite well, but if you are concerned, have kids play with it on a place mat. This makes for easy clean-up.

My little guy is a HUGE fan of play dough. Even though he isn't usually too keen on crafts, he is always up for making a new batch of this stuff. We have tons of plastic cookie cutters and rolling pins that we keep for play dough tools as well as plastic cutlery, saved from fast food meals and several kitchen toy items like a plastic pizza cutter that has been given a new purpose. He also enjoys driving his toy cars and trucks through the play dough, so play dough is pretty versatile.

Play dough is also perfect for gift giving. Most kids enjoy it and will play for quite a long while with minimal supervision required, which I think most moms will agree is a great bonus. Include the recipe and a few plastic cookie cutters, and voila, you have a very affordable and quick-to-create present, using items you likely already have on hand. We recently made a batch of this glitter play dough for an upcoming birthday party that my daughter was invited to. (The birthday girl is getting a few other homemade goodies including this DIY Seek 'n' Find Bottle.)

Ingredients:

• ½ Cup salt                           
• 1 Cup flour                        
• 1 Cup water                        
• 1 Tbs. cooking oil           
• 1 Tbs. cream of tartar     
  
• Food coloring                    
• Glitter                                  

Directions:

1. Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, water, and oil.
2. Cook in a sauce pan on medium heat until a ball forms. Set dough aside to cool.
3. Make a well in the dough and add a few drops of food coloring. Knead until color is well-blended. Tip: To protect your work surface from stains, do this on wax paper, a cutting board, or a place mat.
4. Add glitter in small batches, kneading it into the play dough.
5. Enjoy! Play dough will keep for several weeks in an airtight container. Tip: You don't need anything special or fancy. I have used zippered bags, Cool Whip containers, and my personal favorite, peanut butter jars.

{My kitchen helpers, ensuring that the proportion of glitter is just right!}