Anyone who has tried to make playdough will usually tell you that it can be very hit -or-miss. I have tried a few. This is one that I have made several times now and have not yet had a fail. AND it’s super-easy!

• ½ cup salt
• 1 cup plain flour
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Food colouring

Add it all to a saucepan over low heat and stir with a metal spoon until very well combined. Add a few drops of lavender oil if you want or maybe a bit of rice or even glitter for sensory exploration.

Non-Cooking Version:

If you add boiling water to the above recipe, there is no need to cook it first.

Playdough without Cream of Tartar:

Julia Sorban kindly submitted this great recipe which doesn’t have Cream of Tartar.

• ‎2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 tbs oil
• 1/2  cup hot water

Mix flour, salt, oil and enough water to make a firm dough and knead till smooth. Store in an airtight container. Its high salt content will preserve the dough for up to 3 months. If you keep it in the fridge it will last slightly longer too.