Children’s Art and Craft

 Playdough is a hit in this house. I don't have time to cook and cool Playdough so we stick to the non cooked variety. Once left to sit for 15 minutes or played with it quickly resembles a very similar consistency to the conked variety.    This is a favourite here - colored and scented!!! There is something extra fun about scented Playdough! Here we have lemon, peppermint, orange, coconut, rose water and plain scented dough. I just use Queen essences available at any grocery store however specialty cake stores have a huge range of essences and oils available. You would easily be able to find a scent for every [...]

This was my 5 year olds favorite thing as a toddler. I would make kilos of the stuff at a time because he went through it so quickly. He would play with it mostly outdoors and my backyard often looked like it had been raining hundreds and thousands! This is a great sensory activity using hands (or scoops, spoons etc) but also a great sorting game. Leave the colours unmixed and use different coloured cups to sort the rice into. This will keep for 12+ months in an airtight container. Discard if it becomes wet. I have given the instructions for the thermo mixer however it's just as easy to [...]

  Making children's art and craft supplies is so easy in your machine. There are hours of entertainment to be had. I'm a big believer in involving children, where safe, in cooking experiences. My two older children help me make big batches of the below regularly. If you are hesitant to involve children in thermo style cooking you can always make these the traditional way. Ways to use these: For your children to play with at home. This is especially great during school holiday periods. Package these up and use in loot bags for parties rather then sugary sweets. Wrap orange coloured playdough up in cellophane and give as gifts [...]

These are so easy! I used this link as I couldn't find my trusty recipe for these. They worked just as well. Instead of corn syrup I just added a sprinkle of sugar and 1/2 a teas of water.  I mixed mine in the tmx as I find it easier to mix cornflour that way. It makes it nice and smooth. A bowl and whisk will also work.  I didn't have a spare tray so stapled 6 sturdy muffin cases together. They made a great tray!  

I made a bunch of these salt dough shapes for my boys to decorate for the Christmas tree.  Decorate with paint, glitter, sequins etc.  This is in cups rather than grams as its just second nature and I didn't think to weigh and record.  

When making playdough as gifts it's often a good idea to make a gluten free version in case of allergies.  

Everyone has their own version of playdough. This is mine. Am I saying its the best out there? Absolutely not. It's just the one I've been making for years.   

This is probably my fave dough to play with! If you haven't tried this dough you must! The texture is amazing. It's crumbly but can be moulded in to shapes as well. It's soft like a cloud!   It's gluten free too!!! I work with cups and not grams for this one. In the bowl add 3/4 cup of oil, food dye and 2 cups of cornflour. Blitz until just combined. Pour out and enjoy!!!!! Add more cornflour if it is too sticky for your liking. Note: there have been recipes created that use baby oil instead of olive oil. Please be sure  to read about the dangers of using [...]

Another one from my childrens art and craft supplies series. You don't want to eat these ones!!! These are lots of fun in summer. All you need is some concrete and an imagination. My boys are having a ball with these today. Apparently my drawings weren't cool though! All you need to do is add 250g of cornflour and 500g water to the tmx bowl. Blitz on speed 4 for 30 secs. Pour into icey pole moulds. Add a few drops of food dye to each hole and mix with a skewer. Freeze for at least 6 hours. Notes: When playing with them do a spot check just to make [...]

It is very quick and easy to make your own children's craft glue. It has salt, sugar and vinegar in it to help preserve it. It will last months in the fridge in a sealed container.   For best results use a thin layer of glue.  

Why buy paint when you can easily make non toxic paint at home!