It was a stormy Chicago day and I just didn't feel like packing the kids up and braving the rain today. So I busted out the play dough bin and we worked indoors on a few favorite projects: play dough porcupines and a fine-motor activity with spaghetti noodles and cheerios.

Play Dough Porcupines

My awesome neighbor came over one day during the winter and brought the supplies for these cute porcupines. All it takes is play dough, googly eyes, and either toothpicks or uncooked spaghetti noodles. Madeline's first versions included just as many eyes as spikes, so the porcupines quickly became monsters.

Madeline working hard on her play dough porcupine.  We traded the toothpicks for spaghetti noodles today so that Baby Jack could get in on the fun. — *Madeline working hard on her play dough porcupine. We traded the toothpicks for spaghetti noodles today so that Baby Jack could get in on the fun.*

Play Dough and Cheerios Fine Motor Activity

We learned about this awesome activity on a playdate, and we love it because we almost always have the materials on hand. Just stick uncooked spaghetti noodles (I buy the pot-sized noodles from Target, but you could snap regular sized noodles in half) in the play dough. Add a pile of cheerios for your toddler to thread on the noodles.

*Baby Jack enjoyed eating the Cheerios more than stacking them on the noodles.*

Miss Tracy's Play Dough Recipe

We're still working through the boxes of play dough we received as Christmas gifts, but usually I make my own. I've tried a handful of play dough recipes that I found on Pinterest, but I never seem to find one that is just right - they are either too slimy or harden too quickly. When Madeline's preschool teacher provided her recipe, I knew it was the perfect balance. Here is her recipe:

1 cup flour
1 cup water
2 teaspoons cream of tarter
1/3 cup salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or unrefined coconut oil)
Food coloring (or unsweetened Kool Aid or Jello for scent and color)

Mix together all ingredients, except the food coloring, in a medium saucepan.
Cook over low/medium heat, stirring often. Once it begins to thicken, add the food coloring.
Continue stirring until the mixture is much thicker and begins to gather around the spoon.
Once the dough is not wet, remove and put onto wax paper or a plate to cool.
After cooling (30 minutes) knead play dough for a few seconds.
PLAY!