Snow Dough

Today, Big Sis and I made a batch of snow dough (aka sparkly play dough).

It's so simple! You just make a typical batch of homemade play-dough. Here's the recipe I usually use.

• 2 c. flour
• 2 c. water
• 1 c. salt
• 2 Tbsp. oil
  
• 2 tsp. cream of tartar

It makes a good sized batch that I can divide for home and Mom's Morning Out.

For snow dough, I add a tablespoon or two of white tempera paint. Except today. Today I grabbed acrylic paint because I was gathering ingredients in a hurry. Don't do that. (Use acrylic, I mean. I don't care how quickly you grab whatever you need. That's your business.)

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, then turn into a skillet and cook over medium heat. I usually use a spatula to keep scraping the sides and bottom, making sure that all of the wet, sticky looking mixture gets a chance to cook and dry out a bit. When it is the right play-dough consistency (and there is no more slimy texture) remove it from heat. If you have typical mommy-nothing-can-scald-me hands, go ahead and knead it together a bit. But since it is pretty doggone hot, you might want to let it cool for a bit.

When it is cooler, put it on the counter or wax paper for easier clean up (or, if you're like me, because you don't feel like scrubbing your counter again or dealing with glitter for the next 3 months). Flatten out about 1/4 of the batch, sprinkle with glitter and knead it in. Repeat for the rest of the play-dough.

I prefer white, iridescent glitter. The kind I used was in one of those small tubes from Michael's called "crystal." I used a LOT of it. Some people like to use silver glitter instead. To each his own.

Store the dough in a plastic bag or storage container so it doesn't dry out.

Finally, grab some snowman and snowflake shaped cookie cutters (or just roll some snowballs) and enjoy.

Or, if your little sister won't share, get a jump on Valentine's Day art projects...


Enjoy!