All art projects & crafts require adult supervision. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy.
If you could only smell the sweet scent of this lemon scented playdough recipe from your computer, I know you would be racing to your kitchen to make this. Not only does the playdough smell fantastic, but it also provides a fun sensory experience for your kid.
This easy-to-follow guide will not only engage your kids in a hands-on sensory adventure but also introduce them to the world of vibrant colors and invigorating aromas. It pairs great with our Mint Scented Playdough and Strawberry and Cream Scented playdough. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and let the creativity flow as we create a zesty playdough masterpiece that promises hours of imaginative play.
Plus, this aromatic playdough is a perfect way to infuse a burst of freshness into this spring season. Let's dive into the lemony goodness of this exciting playdough creation!
Because this recipe requires boiling water, we recommend an adult make the playdough and allow it to cool before children start playing with it.
Benefits of Children Engaging with Playdough:
Participating in playdough activities offers numerous benefits for children's development. Manipulating this versatile medium enhances fine motor skills as children master actions like squeezing, pinching, and rolling, thereby strengthening their hand muscles.
Playdough serves as a flexible canvas for creativity and imagination, providing children with a platform to express themselves by crafting various objects, animals, and scenes. Beyond its artistic aspect, the playdough experience encourages rich sensory exploration, contributing to heightened awareness.
While shaping and molding the dough, children concurrently develop hand-eye coordination, aligning their physical movements with visual perception. The interactive nature of playdough fosters social skills as children collaborate, share tools, and engage in cooperative play.
Moreover, playdough activities support language development as children describe their creations, share ideas, and participate in imaginative play. The stress-relieving properties of this tactile medium, along with its potential for color recognition and basic math concepts, enrich the holistic learning experience that playdough offers during a child's developmental journey.
Encourage creativity by allowing your kids the freedom to embellish their playdough with glitter, googly eyes, or other items from your craft cupboard.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons cream of tartar
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons Lemon Extract
Liquid Yellow food coloring
2 cups boiling water
Instructions To Make
Lemon Scented Playdough Recipe
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cream of tartar.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour lemon extract, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Follow by adding boiling hot water. You can achieve this by either bringing water to a boil on the stove or microwaving it for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Well
Thoroughly combine the ingredients until the playdough forms, reaching a smooth consistency. It should resemble something like this.
Step 4: Add Liquid Food Coloring
Introduce a drops of yellow liquid food coloring to the mixture. Continue mixing until the color is evenly incorporated.
Step 5: Let It Cool
The playdough will be hot to the touch. Before allowing your kids to play with it, ensure you let it cool down to a safe temperature.
Optional: Add Glitter
For an extra touch of sparkle and excitement, incorporate glitter into the playdough.
How Long Does Homemade Playdough Last?
Homemade playdough can last for an extended period if stored properly. While there isn't a specific expiration date for homemade playdough, it's generally recommended to replace it every few months, especially if it's used frequently. Keeping it clean, sealed, and free from contaminants will ensure a longer shelf life. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it's best to discard and make a fresh batch.
How To Store Homemade Playdough?
Storing homemade playdough properly is crucial to maintaining its texture and preventing it from drying out. Here are some tips on how to store homemade playdough: Place the playdough in an airtight container. This prevents exposure to air, which can dry it out. A resealable plastic bag or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
Exposure to sunlight or heat can cause it to dry out. While not mandatory, storing playdough in the refrigerator can extend its shelf life. Ensure it's in a sealed container or a plastic bag to prevent it from absorbing odors.
By following these storage tips, you can keep your homemade playdough soft, pliable, and enjoyable for a more extended period.
Does Homemade Playdough Mold?
Homemade playdough can potentially develop mold if not stored or handled properly. Mold growth is more likely to occur if the playdough is exposed to moisture, humidity, or if there's contamination from dirty hands or surfaces. You can prevent mold by playing with the playdough on clean surfaces and avoiding moisture.
Periodically check the playdough for any signs of mold, unusual odor, or changes in color or texture. If you notice any issues, it's best to discard the playdough and make a fresh batch.
While these precautions can reduce the risk of mold, it's essential to use homemade playdough within a reasonable timeframe and inspect it regularly for any signs of spoilage. If you notice mold or any other issues, it's safer to discard the playdough and make a new batch.
Can I Freeze Homemade Playdough?
Freezing homemade playdough is discouraged as the texture may change during thawing, resulting in a different consistency than before freezing. Due to these potential alterations, it's advisable to avoid storing homemade playdough in the freezer.
Why Is My Homemade Playdough Sticky? How Do I Fix It?
Serval things can make your playdough sticky. One of them is humidity or inadequate cooking. To fix sticky playdough, try the following:
Knead in More Flour: Gradually add small amounts of flour and knead it into the playdough until the stickiness diminishes. This helps absorb excess moisture.
Adjust Cooking: If the playdough was just cooked, it might need more heat to remove excess moisture. Place it back on low heat and stir continuously until it reaches the desired consistency.
