Play Dough and Gak

Old-school fun

By Martha Swann

Remember the good ol’ days when the most important items on your daily agenda were taking naps, watching cartoons, and coloring? Take a trip down memory lane with these gooey classics, but this time, don’t try eating them.

GAK Ingredients: 1 cup of glue A few drops of food coloring 1 cup of liquid starch

Step 1 Mix glue and food coloring in a plastic container until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 2 Add the starch a little at a time, kneading with your fingers as the mixture thickens.

Step 3 Keep stirring until mixture becomes cohesive and holds together like putty.

Step 4 Test with your fingers. If it’s too sticky, add more starch in small amounts until your gak is smooth and rubbery.

PLAY DOUGH Ingredients: 3 cups of flour 1 1/2 cups of salt 3 cups of water 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1 tablespoon cream of tartar A few drops of food coloring

Step 1 Mix all the ingredients in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until the dough starts to stick together.

Step 2 When you can no longer stir, remove the play dough from heat. Let it cool.

Step 3 Remove dough from saucepan and place on counter or wax paper. Knead the play dough three to four times.

Step 4 Store in an airtight container.