The boys wanted some new play dough to create with, so since it is so close to Christmas, we decided to make some with the smells of Christmas. This lovely smelling Christmas Playdough goes well with these Christmas playdough mats.

With playdough the options are endless. I did use a mixture of essential oils and spices in this playdough, though this is all optional.

To make the play dough, I use this recipe.

2 cups plain flour
2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup salt
2 TBSP cream of tartar
2 TBSP oil
essential oils
spices
colouring options

Combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar to a bowl and mix. Add the boiling water and oil and mix well until it gets stiff, but not sticky. Knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container for up to six months.

Colouring options ~ Food colouring can be used, gel colours give the best colours, liquid watercolours also work. Natural colourings can be use, they just won’t be so vibrant. For orange/yellow add turmeric; for red, boil beetroot for at least 10 minutes, strain and use the water; for green, boil spinach for 10 mins, strain and use the water. Kool aid can also be used, but it may alter the scent.
Scents ~ Just one or two drops of essential oils can be used, just check the safety for the oils before using. Extracts such as vanilla and peppermint can be used but start with a small amount as you can always add more.
Extras ~ Glitter is great for that sparkling effect. Sequins can also be added.

Christmas Playdough:

Spiced Orange ~ 1 drop of Orange Essential Oil, 1 tsp cinnamon (the spice) and orange colouring. Or, you could just use 1-2 tsp pumpkin spice and orange colouring and have Pumpkin Spiced Playdough.
Gingerbread ~ 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1 part nutmeg, 1 drop Orange essential oil and brown colouring
Sugar Cookie ~ 1 tsp cinnamon sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and yellow colouring
Eucalytpus / Fir Needle ~ 1 drop of either Eucalyptus or Fir Needle essential oil and green colouring. You could also steep some pine sprigs or eucalyptus leaves in a few cups of boiling water, strain and use.
Candy Cane ~ 2 drops Spearmint essential oil and 1 tsp vanilla extract and red colouring
Nutmeg ~ 1-2 tsp nutmeg and a little brown colouring to make it tan

Christmas Playdough

This gorgeous smelling Christmas Playdough using essential oils and spices to bring the holiday season smells into learning.

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Supplies

2 Cups Plain Flour
2 Cups Boiling Water
½ Cup Salt
2 TBSP Cream of Tartar
2 TBSP Oil
Essential Oils
Spices
Colouring Options

Instructions

Combine the flour, salt and cream of tartar to a bowl and mix.
Add the boiling water and oil and mix well until it gets stiff, but not sticky.
Knead until smooth.
Store in an airtight container for up to six months.
Spiced Orange ~ 1 drop of Orange Essential Oil, 1 tsp cinnamon (the spice) and orange colouring. Or, you could just use 1-2 tsp pumpkin spice and orange colouring and have Pumpkin Spiced Playdough.
Gingerbread ~ 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1 part nutmeg, 1 drop Orange essential oil and brown colouring
Sugar Cookie ~ 1 tsp cinnamon sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract and yellow colouring
Eucalytpus / Fir Needle ~ 1 drop of either Eucalyptus or Fir Needle essential oil and green colouring. You could also steep some pine sprigs or eucalyptus leaves in a few cups of boiling water, strain and use. Be careful if using eucalyptus essential oil with young children. Do your research first please.
Candy Cane ~ 2 drops Spearmint essential oil and 1 tsp vanilla extract and red colouring
Nutmeg ~ 1-2 tsp nutmeg and a little brown colouring to make it tan

Notes

Colouring options ~ Food colouring can be used, gel colours give the best colours, liquid watercolours also work. Natural colourings can be use, they just won't be so vibrant. For orange/yellow add turmeric; for red, boil beetroot for at least 10 minutes, strain and use the water; for green, boil spinach for 10 mins, strain and use the water. Kool aid can also be used, but it may alter the scent.
Scents ~ Just one or two drops of essential oils can be used, just check the safety for the oils before using. Extracts such as vanilla and peppermint can be used but start with a small amount as you can always add more.
Extras ~ Glitter is great for that sparkling effect. Sequins can also be added.

Tried this project? Share a pic on Instagram#simplelivingcreativelearning

What are your favourite Christmas scents?

Here are some fun ways to use this playdough:

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Christmas Playdough