Thich Nhat Hanh: About Mother Earth

Please visit my Plastic Pollution tab for links to companies that sell earth-friendly paints. Paints sold for the use of children may be labeled 'non-toxic' but still have formaldehyde in it as well as plastic. So, please consider a truly healthy art making experience for your children and students by using alternatives. 

Stay tuned for a new Art and Nature Connections page featuring many nature-art activities for children of all ages!

Obviously, if you have wheat allergy, please do not use this recipe. 

You can make as much or as little as you wish. Start with a cup of white (organic if possible) wheat flour and slowly add warm water until it reaches desired consistently. You can use this for papier maché as well. Store in refrigerator in a sealed glass jar for 2 weeks. Can compost it. This glue is amazing. I have created many projects with it and it is strong and lasts a long time. Great to have children make it with you. 

Again, if you or your children/students have wheat allergies, please use an alternative homemade recipe. Children can help make this but careful with stove heat.

Coconut Oil Play dough:

2 cups of white organic flour (wheat)

3/4 cup salt, 4 tsp cream of tartar, 2 cups lukewarm water, 2 tbsp coconut oil.

Cook over medium heat on stove, stir constantly. When it gets solid and pliable, remove it to wax paper and as it cools, kneed it. Divide in to 2 or 3 balls and store in reused plastic bags or containers. I never add color, but you can try that, though I don't recommend food coloring. Lasts for weeks in the refrigerator. Compost when done. My grandchildren love this play dough!