Handprints

So, as the kids had their after school snack I prepped the stuff to do hand prints. I wanted to make something nice that the kids I babysit could take home for their parents. It is so fun. We do them every year. The recipe is actually supposed to be for making ornaments and it very light weight. It is a great recipe. Although, when you bake it, it often bubbles and then cracks. I am not so impressed with that. So this time, after it had been in the oven for just a few minutes, I took them out and I am just going to let them air dry. That way they don't get wrecked. Very disappointing that almost immediately Curtis's hand bubbled. Arg! And I didn't have enough time to make another one. So, we will make do with it the way it is. Too bad though.

The dough, getting it ready.
Rolling it out
After it was all done, baking it.

In case another is interested...

Hobby Dough

2 cups cow brand baking soda (of course you can use any kind and it works)
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/4 cup water

Combine baking soda and flour in saucepan. Add water. COOK over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is the consistancy of moist mashed potatoes. Turn out on plate, cover with damp cloth. Let cool. Knead until smooth, about 2 minutes then use to create your personal gifts.

Ornaments: Roll out dough between wax paper to 1/4 " thickness. Cut with cookie cutters, small knife or shape form free hand. To join peices together, moisten and press to seal. For hanging ornaments, cut hole in top or decoration with a straw. Place on baking sheet. BAKE at 325.F for 1-2 hours or let air dry. Time will vary with size of peices. Paint as desired then spray with varnish to preserve. Add a colourful ribbon for hanging.

Colouring tips Colour may be added as dough is being made, or peices may be painted after they are completely dry. For solid colour add a few drops of food colour to the water before adding. For marbled effect sprinkle a small amount of dye powder on a ball of soft dough and kneed it in lightly. For bright and glossy colours, paint hardened peices with water colours, poster paints or a felt tipped pen. Allow to dry fully before finishing.