Homemade Silly Putty

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#24532

A fun, homemade craft putty for your kids. Just two ingredients and optional coloring will yield hours of fun.

serves/makes:

ready in:
under 30 minutes

ingredients

1 cup white school glue (like Elmer's brand)
1 cup dry laundry starch powder
food coloring, optional

directions

Combine the glue and starch in a bowl and mix well to combine. Adjust amounts as needed to make a pliable but not too sticky mixture. Add food coloring as desired to make different colors.

Store the silly putty in an airtight container at room temperature.

Disclaimer: This silly putty recipe is intended for crafting purposes only and should be used under adult supervision. The ingredients listed, while generally non-toxic, should not be ingested or placed in the mouth. Care should be taken to make sure that individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients are not exposed to the mixture. This putty may adhere to or stain fabrics, surfaces, and hair; precautions should be taken during its use. It's advisable to test the putty on a small, inconspicuous area of any surface before full application. The creators of this recipe and distributors of the ingredients cannot be held responsible for any damage to property or adverse health reactions that may arise from the creation, use, or storage of this homemade silly putty. Always store the Silly Putty in an airtight container when not in use, and keep it out of reach of young children and pets. By following this recipe, you acknowledge and accept the risks associated with home crafting projects and agree to proceed with caution and discretion.

recipe tips

Start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more to achieve the desired color intensity.

If the silly putty is too sticky, add more starch. If it is too dry, add more glue.

Store different colored silly putty in separate containers to keep the colors from blending together.

Try adding scents or essential oils for a sensory experience while playing with the silly putty.

Avoid prolonged exposure of silly putty to fabrics or carpeting, as it may leave residue or stickiness.

common recipe questions

Can I use a different type of glue?

White school glue, like the kind made by Elmer's, is what is needed for this recipe. Other glues will not work.

Where can I find dry laundry starch powder?

Dry laundry starch powder can typically be found in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets or grocery stores.

How do I adjust the texture of the Silly Putty?

Add more glue or starch as needed to achieve a pliable but not too sticky mixture. Experiment with small amounts until you reach the right consistency.

Can I make different colors?

You can add food coloring to the mixture to create a variety of colors. Food color paste will offer the brightest colors without altering the moisture level of the silly putty but you can also use liquid food coloring. If you add a lot of liquid color you may need to add additional starch.

Can I rehydrate dried out silly putty?

If it becomes too dry or hard, you can try adding a small amount of water or more glue to rehydrate it (knead it into the mixture) and restore its pliability. If it's so dried out you can't knead liquid into it you will have to start over.

Is silly putty safe for young children?

While silly putty generally is non-toxic (it depends on the brands you use), it is not intended to be ingested. Always supervise young children when playing to prevent any accidents.