As a momma to six kids, one of my tricks to having a successful summer is to have options for my kids. Not just a few options. A large, long list of options. If my kids are bored, they get into trouble.
So to combat such situations, I have a long list of activities for them when boredom sets in and then the Jones household can remain at a somewhat tolerable level of craziness.
I have made many different types of play dough, including a classic play dough and a foam dough. This recipe for Silky Soft Play Dough turns out exactly like the title describes: silky and soft! We used a cheap strawberry conditioner, which made this dough smell good enough to eat. It isn’t extremely stiff either, which makes it so fun to squoosh and squeeze through your fingers. (Is squoosh even a real word??)
Silk Soft Play Dough
1 C hair conditioner – the cheaper, the better!
2 1/2 C corn starch
1. In a large bowl, combine both ingredients until a dough forms then turn out the dough onto the counter dusted with corn starch. Knead the dough, adding any additional corn starch as needed. Store in an airtight bag or container.
Follow My Kitchen Escapades on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!Pint Sized Baker, Ladybug Blessings, Living Well Spending Less, Lil’Luna
Carole, I love summer break, too. And, this is going to be fun to do with my 7 yr old, pinning!
Gloria thanks so much! We will let Carole know and thanks for pinning!
I love doing crafts.. Thanks so much❤️???
Hi Carole and MFP sisters – I can totally see this being one of those… “Mom, I’m bored!” summer crafts. Thanks so much for joining Fluster’s #CreativeMuster party. It was a lot of fun to co-host! Hugs, Holly
Thanks Holly.
Hi! I’m babysitting some girls a lot this summer and this seems like the perfect craft! My questions is, can you add a few drops of food coloring? Please answer soon, Thanks!
Absolutely!
just use different colored hair conditioner – won’t need food color
Great idea!
Question! I made this, but it just kept breaking apart. Should I add more cornstarch?
Actually, it sounds like you need more conditioner. Hope it helps!
OMG! I made this too and it starts to dry out in about 20 minutes….I kept adding conditioner to keep the consistency! BUT, it made a HUGE mess once it starts to dry out and break apart. Definitely and outside activity….and so sorry, I won’t make this one again. 🙁 My kids did however really enjoy it while it lasted.
Hi Kari! Gah! We are so sorry that this did not work for you. I have personally made this and didn’t have a problem but I’m wondering if the kind of conditioner that is used can make a difference. We’re glad that your kids enjoyed it for a while but we’re also sorry for the mess!
Any idea on how long this dough will remain usable? Does it tend to dry out?
Hi Dorthy! It should last a couple of weeks but if it starts to dry, just add a little more conditioner. Thanks so much for stopping by! Deb
Not to be a “Debbie-downer”- but this warning should be out there. THIS PROJECT- “SILKY DOUGH” SHOULD BE FOR OUTDOOR USE ONLY!!!! I’m a stay at home mom of 3- I’ve done play dough, slime, gak, shaving cream, ooze- you name it, we’ve done it- but this is by far the messiest to clean up! Maybe it’s my OCD with the crumbs and all that, but- man! Lots of clean up with the starch having the oils in it from conditioner- wood floor slick for a good day!
Thanks for the heads up Kerry! So sorry about your floor!
I loved this. Did it at our timeshare with the grand kids. It was a little messy but clean up was great. The kids loved the smell and I want to do more colors next time. Loved the soft feeling. Just had to watch that the little ones didn’t eat it – lol.
Oh no! I sure hope none of your little ones ate it! My grandsons will be here in two weeks an we are going to do this.
So glad it was a success! Thanks for letting us know, Alicia!
Will it stick to itself or will it pick up little dog hairs from the ground? I don’t want to have a dirty pile of play doh after using 2 1/2 cups of corn starch on it!
I am sure it will pick up dog hairs from the ground. This would be best played with on a clean table.
finally a recipe that doesn’t call for cooking ! Cannot wait to try – thank you
Hi Jamie, I made this with my grandsons and they loved it. It is so easy!!
This recipe is wonderful! I also added several drops of laundry-fresh-scent essential oils, which made it smell so good!
Isn’t this a great recipe? Our kids LOVE it! Thanks so much for stopping by Gina!
I just made this with my granddaughter. Sorry, I don’t like it. I don’t like the consistency; it doesn’t hold together well and is difficult to mold. Put it in her old play-doh storage cups and it’s impossible for her to get it out (she’s almost 4 and doesn’t have a problem getting regular play-doh out). I won’t make it again. I told her to have at it and do what she wanted to with it because we wouldn’t be keeping it.
Barbara, we are so sorry that this didn’t work for you. We have made it multiple times without a hitch. But we hope you stick with us for other great ideas!
I’m thinking of making this, my question is, could I use half corn starch half plain flour? Corn starch is expensive & comes in a fairly small bag.
Thanks.
Not sure you will get the silky result with anything but the corn starch. If you give it a try, we would sure love to know how it worked for you. Fingers crossed!
It will be fund having the kids make this silky soft play dough. Anything to keep my students busy and happy as they learn to measure.
Thanks, Maritza! We appreciate you taking the time to comment.