This is the molding clay, also called salt dough, that kids played with before the advent of Play-Doh. Unlike Play-Doh which comes in prepackaged colors and with a definite, very recognizable smell (some say it is the smell of childhood) with salt dough made at home kids can be way more creative. They can mix in food colors to get the the imagined perfect hue, add flavorings like mint, orange or almond extract.
Kids Easter Keepsake Rabbits
Here's what you'll need to get started, chances are all the ingredients for this fun Easter or springtime family craft activity are already in the pantry. The salt clay recipe is:
- A stove-top safe pan (a deep frying pan will work best)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (do not use olive, it has too strong a personality)
- 1 cup salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Mix the wet ingredients with the dry and add to the heated oil in the pan. With a wooden spoon, stir to combine over medium-low heat until a soft ball of dough is formed, about 2 minutes. Be sure the dough no longer clings to the pan or looks liquid-y; if it does, cook the dough a little longer being careful not to scorch it.
When the salt dough is finished cooking and has the correct consistency, remove the ball of dough to a piece of plastic wrap and allow it to cool to room temperature. Add food coloring and flavor extracts, if desired, using about a teaspoonful of each.
Salt Clay Easter Rabbits
if the kids choose not to color or scent the dough, decorations can also be added later, after forming the clay into bunnies or chicks or lambs or other springtime figurines. Kept in an airtight bag in the fridge, the clay will stay soft and pliable, ready to be used again and again. But to make adorable Easter rabbits fit for elegant Easter baskets filled with rich homemade chocolate truffles and petits fours, mold the clay and then allow it to dry at room temperature. It will only take a few days.
Unique Easter Basket Treats
Once the clay is dry, kids can decorate their creations with tempera paints, sequin glue, pom-poms, feathers and other craft store staples. Let their imaginations roam: why not have a psychedelic blue bunny with pom-pom feet? They're art and originals. You can't get those from the toystore, made from plastic and imported from China.
You can expect the grandparents to be very happy and surprised with their personalized Easter baskets. They might remember playing with salt clay back in their mother's kitchens. It's a Great Depression tradition that's a happy one to bring back. With a few pantry ingredients: salt, flour, and water plus the kids' creativity, salt clay keepsake Easter rabbits are easy to make.
