The key to making playdough with baby powder and lotion is to combine the ingredients in the correct ratio: 2 parts powder (baby powder, or a mix of baby powder and cornstarch) to 1 part lotion.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Ingredients:
- Baby Powder: Use pure baby powder. Some recipes use a combination of baby powder and cornstarch (equal parts of each), while others use only cornstarch, but the original recipe uses a baby powder mix.
- Lotion: Any body lotion will work.
- Optional: Food coloring (gel or liquid).
Instructions:
- Combine Powders (Optional): If you're using both baby powder and cornstarch, mix them together in a bowl. Aim for equal parts of each.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine 2 parts of the powder mixture (or just baby powder) with 1 part of lotion.
- Knead: Start mixing the lotion and powder with a spoon. Once it starts to form a dough, use your hands to knead it.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the playdough is too sticky, add more powder, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the playdough is too dry and crumbly, add more lotion, a little at a time, until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Add Color (Optional): If you want to color your playdough, add a few drops of food coloring and knead until the color is evenly distributed. Gel food coloring works well because it's concentrated and doesn't add much liquid.
- Play! Your playdough is now ready to be used.
Tips for Success:
- Start Small: Begin with a small batch to test the recipe and adjust the ingredients as needed.
- Knead Well: Kneading is essential for achieving a smooth and elastic playdough.
- Store Properly: Store the playdough in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If it does dry out, you can try adding a little more lotion and kneading it again.
This simple recipe creates a soft and moldable playdough that's perfect for kids. Remember to always supervise children while they are playing with playdough.
