Make scented playdough at home with this DIY guide
What's the story
Making your own scented playdough is not only a fun activity but also a powerful self-care practice that can help you build resilience. This easy, artistic process fosters mindfulness and melts away stress. It provides a grounding, sensory experience that calms the mind and sparks joy. By choosing your favorite fragrances and colors, you craft a unique tool for relaxation and emotional regulation.
Scents
Selecting your essential oils
Picking the right essential oils makes all the difference for your DIY scented playdough. Different smells have the power to affect your mood and mind in amazing ways. Think lavender for ultimate relaxation, or reach for citrus oils like orange or lemon for a quick pick-me-up. Choose oils that match the emotional boost you're seeking. Just a few drops are enough to transform your playdough into a calming sensory experience.
Base
Crafting your Playdough base
First, combine two cups of flour, half a cup of salt, two tablespoons of cream of tartar, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a bowl. Slowly add one and a half cups of boiling water, stirring until it forms a dough. Allow it to cool, then knead until smooth to create your scented playdough base.
Customization
Adding color and scent
After your base is prepared, separate it into portions for different colors and fragrances. Add food coloring for desired shades and knead until uniform. Next, add five to 10 drops of essential oil to each portion, depending on the preferred fragrance intensity. This customizes your playdough, transforming crafting into a sensory delight.
Preservation
Storing your scented playdough
In order to keep your DIY scented playdough fresh and fragrant for as long as possible, you need to store it properly. Simply place each color in an air-tight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. With the right storage, homemade playdough can last up to six months, ensuring plenty of stress-relief sessions whenever you need them.
Application
Using playdough as stress relief
Playing with scented playdough isn't just about smelling nice; it's a powerful stress-buster thanks to the magic of touch. Kneading, rolling, and shaping the dough focuses your mind away from worries and onto something grounding and meditative. Make it a regular part of your self-care routine to build mindfulness and resilience in the face of life's stresses.