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Modeling Dough

What you will make -

This is a simple modeling dough that can be made in less than 15 minutes. If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, that's no problem! You can make it with just flour, salt and water. The vegetable oil is added to make it easier to work and the alum acts as a preservative.

This recipe makes about 1 cup of a dough that is very pliable. It is easy to work into shapes that can be air dried and painted. Or you can use the modeling dough time and time again as a play dough if you are careful to store it in a sealed plastic bag or container between uses.

Caution: Recipe uses boiling water. Adult supervision is required!

Ingredients -

• ½ cup (130 grams) salt
• ¾ to 1 cup (100 to 125 grams) flour, white or unbleached
• ½ cup (120 ml) boiling water

• 1½ teaspoons (7 grams) powdered alum (optional)
• 1½ teaspoons (7 ml) vegetable oil (optional)
• Optional: Food coloring and clear nail polish or varnish

This recipe is rated EASY to make. Requires adult supervision!!!

How To Make Modeling Dough

Read all of the directions before starting.

1. Combine flour, salt, and alum in a mixing bowl. Start with the lesser amount of flour and add more if needed.
2. Add vegetable oil and boiling water. Stir with a spoon until well blended and dough comes away from the sides of the bowl. Add more flour or water, if needed. When its cool enough to handle, knead the dough with your hands until it is smooth. This should only take a minute or two.
3. If you want colors other than white, separate the dough into two or three balls. Flatten the ball and make a well in the center. Add 2 or more drops of food coloring to the well—2 drops for a pastel color, more for deeper colors. Knead the dough until the color is even.
   Tip: Some food coloring make unexpected colors due to a reaction to the alum, particularly some blues. Test a drop of the food coloring on a tiny ball of dough the first time you use it.
4. Store your finished modeling dough in an airtight plastic bag or container. It will keep for weeks if stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it warm to room temperature before using.

To use it: Pinch off as much dough as you need to make your shape and leave the rest in the sealed container. Work the dough into any desired shape with your hands or just about any kitchen utensil.

When you have finished molding your shape, put it on a piece of wax paper to dry. It should dry in about 24 hours to a hard finish. Pieces may be left plain or can be painted to add durability. Small pieces can be painted with nail polish, while you will want to use varnish or an acrylic sealer like Mod Podge for larger pieces.