I really wanted to give a non candy option out for Maya’s Valentine’s Day treat.  Yes, I’m that mom.  :{

I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to make the homemade Play-Doh I’ve been meaning to make for ages.  Maya loves Play-doh (what kid doesn’t?!)  I found this really cool recipe online that uses Jell-O.  It dyes it, AND makes it smell yummy.  FUN!

I’ll be honest.  I’m marginally embarrassed by how much time I spent on these, but whatever… 😉What you need… (I doubled the recipe for each color, so mine will look bigger)

• 1 cup white flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 Tablespoons salt
• 2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar
• 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil (I used Olive Oil)
• 1 3 oz pack Jell-O

What you do…

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a small saucepan until smooth. I’ll be honest.  I helped her 🙂
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens into a ball of dough.  (about 10 minutes)
• Once it has finished cooking, place the dough onto a floured cutting board and wait for it to cool (about 20-30 minutes).  While it’s cooling you can start making another batch with a different color/flavor Jell-O! 🙂We did Raspberry and Blueberry (Maya’s choice!).
• Once it is cool, knead it, adding in flour until it is no longer sticky (about 1/2 cup). Maya liked this part! hahaha 😉
• Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.  It will keep for at least a few weeks in the refrigerator, with daily use.  If at any time it starts to be a little sticky, just add more flour.Making it into a Valentine’s Day gift…

• Get mini Glad containers
• 3 Yards of Tulle
• Ribbon
• Hole Punch
• Make a little card on card stock (I did mine in Photoshop, but handwritten would be super cute if you had an older child!  Or…if you have good handwriting-I do not ha ha)
• You can write a little Valentine’s message.   I actually put the recipe on the cards in case other parents wanted to make some.

Thank you so much Kaley Ann for the great Jell-o Play-Doh idea.  Go check out her blog for more great DIY ideas 🙂