by Jessica Miller (Emery Street) | This column provides tips on reducing waste while saving money.

Here’s a play dough recipe that I got from the Children’s Museum in Eau Claire. It’s easy to make so children can help, and lasts a month. I make a half batch for my child and it is more than enough. You can store it in a sealed container such as a yogurt tub.

5 Tbs cream or tartar
3 cups flour
3 cups water
3 Tbs vegetable oil
3/4 cup salt
Drops of food coloring

Stir all of the dry ingredient into a large pot. Slowly add the water and oil. Using a large wire whisk, blend the mixture until all the lumps are gone. Whisk in several drops of food coloring (the dough will darken as it cooks). Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a large spoon until it forms a ball.