How to Make Edible Play Dough and Modeling Clay

 Before we look at these crafts for the little ones, let's think about a fun craft for those little older kids of 6+. If you feel their motor skills still need a little help, why not look at a craft kit such as Alex Toys Super Knot A Quilt

In the early years, it's important for children to participate in art projects. It encourages creativity and helps build fine motor skills. But with toddlers' and preschoolers' tendency to put things in their mouths, the prospect of giving them art supplies can be scary.

The solution? Give them edible art supplies! It's simple to make play dough and modeling clay out of edible ingredients. When your child gets done playing with them, you can feel good about encouraging them to eat their creations. Here are a few recipes to try.

Peanut Butter Play Dough

Ingredients

* One 18-ounce jar of peanut butter (creamy variety)
* 6 tbsp. honey
* ¾ cup non-fat powdered milk

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together. You can easily change the consistency by adding more powdered milk.
2. If the dough is not consumed soon after making it, it may be stored in an airtight container.

Chocolate Play Dough

Ingredients

* 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
* ¼ cup plus 1 tbsp. light corn syrup

Instructions

1. Place the chocolate chips in a double boiler and heat slowly until melted.
2. Stir chocolate until smooth.
3. Stir in corn syrup, continuing to stir until mixed thoroughly.
4. Allow to cool briefly, then pour the mixture into a plastic bag. Refrigerate until it is firm.

Note: This dough is also great for decorating cakes!

Kool Aid Play Dough

Ingredients

* 1 cup flour
* 1 cup water
* ½ cup salt
* 3 tsp. Cream of Tartar
* 1 pkg. unsweetened Kool Aid mix, any flavor
* 1 tbsp. cooking oil

Instructions

1. In large saucepan, mix all dry ingredients.
2. Mix oil and water and stir into dry ingredients. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into dough.
3. Remove from heat and place on a heatproof cutting board. Knead until cool enough for your child to handle. This play dough may be stored for up to six months in a tightly covered container.

Chocolate Clay

Ingredients

* 10 oz. chocolate chips
* 1/3 cup corn syrup

Instructions

1. Place chocolate chips in a double boiler and heat slowly until melted. Stir until smooth.
2. Stir in corn syrup and mix thoroughly.
3. Pour onto waxed paper and spread out about ½ inch thick. Cover with more waxed paper and allow to harden for two hours.

Note: This clay may also be used to decorate cakes.

Easy Edible Clay

Ingredients

* 1 cup flour
* ½ cup salt
* Water

Instructions

1. Stir salt into flour.
2. Add water, a little at a time, stirring constantly.
3. Continue to add water until the desired consistency is reached. Knead before using.

Note: This clay may be baked after modeling to create a permanent shape. It is non-toxic and edible, but its flavor is not very appetizing.