Home » Craft Tutorials » Kids Crafts
Filed Under: Kids Crafts
Jump to Project
These microwave salt dough trucks are super fun to make, and super fun to play with! Salt dough is the easiest dough to make with kids. Just 3 ingredients and you are on you way to endless creations! This post contains an affiliate link.
If you like these salt dough creations, you’ll love our DIY Sesame Street polymer clay figures!
Watch our step by step video!
The best part about having a little caboose at the end of our family is that I get to re-visit some of the fun crafts that I made with his big brothers when they were his age! I stumbled across this salt dough turtle in Aaron’s special box that we made ten years ago.
Yes, we still have it! Aaron loved it and kept in his room for years. Salt dough is so easy to make, and can be molded into just about anything.
Mac’s favorite things are trucks. Fire trucks are at the top of the list, closely followed by construction trucks. We made a set of trucks that he can bring wherever he goes. We might even add magnets to the back so that he can arrange them on the refrigerator.
How fun is it to be able to MAKE your own toys? That’s exactly what salt dough lets kids do!
How to Dry Salt Dough In The Microwave
You can let salt dough air dry or bake it, but microwaving it is the fastest way to dry the dough.
His favorite cookie cutters can be purchased here.
Every microwave is different and, depending on the thickness of the dough, the cook times are different. If your dough is thick, it’s a great idea to poke a few holes in it using a toothpick so that it doesn’t bubble while drying.
Cooking Times
Aaron’s turtle took abut 6 minutes to cook through, but these little trucks were nice and dry after about 30 seconds on each side plus an additional 10 seconds.
How to Paint Salt Dough
If you want a sturdy toy that will last the test of time you are going to want to seal it. We’ve found that painting it with acrylic paint works great, followed by a coat of mod podge to seal the paint. You can also spray the finished project with clear spray paint if you do not have mod podge.
WARNING: always keep salt dough creations out of reach of dogs as it is hazardous to their health if swallowed.
Microwave Salt Dough Trucks
These microwave salt dough trucks are super fun to make and super fun to play with!
Prep Time1 minute min
Active Time15 minutes mins
dry paint20 minutes mins
Total Time36 minutes mins
Keyword: playdough, salt dough
Yield: 12 vehicles
Cost: Under $5
Equipment
microwave
Materials
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup water
- rolling pin
- cookie cutters
- microwave safe plate
- acrylic craft paint
- paint brush
- mod podge
Instructions
Mix flour, salt and water until a soft dough forms.
Roll dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4" thick.
Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
Microwave 4 at a time for 30 seconds on each side.
If shapes are still soft, microwave an additional 10 seconds on each side until hardened, but not brown.
Paint with acrylic craft paint. Let dry.
Seal with mod podge. Let dry.
Video
Notes
Wrap any leftover dough in plastic wrap to use another day.
WARNING: always keep salt dough creations out of reach of dogs as it is hazardous to their health.
3 More Crafts for Kids!
Easy Science Experiments for Kids
Website | + posts
Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!
More Posts Like This
About Brandy
Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!
Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com without any additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reader Interactions
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Greetings, crafting enthusiasts! I'm an expert in the realm of DIY crafts, particularly those involving kids' creativity and hands-on projects. Over the years, I've delved deep into various crafting materials and techniques, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge that allows me to share insights confidently.
Now, let's dive into the fascinating world of microwave salt dough crafts, as presented by Brandy in her article dated January 12, 2020. The article focuses on creating delightful salt dough trucks with a microwave drying technique, providing an engaging and quick crafting experience for children.
Salt Dough Crafting: Brandy highlights the simplicity of salt dough, emphasizing its suitability for crafting with kids. The basic ingredients include 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of water. This straightforward recipe allows for endless creative possibilities, making it an ideal crafting material for kids.
Microwave Drying Technique: One standout feature of this craft is the use of the microwave to expedite the drying process. Brandy notes that while salt dough can be air-dried or baked, microwaving is the fastest method. She offers valuable tips, such as poking holes in thicker dough with a toothpick to prevent bubbling during microwaving. Cooking times vary based on microwave differences and dough thickness. In this case, the turtle took approximately 6 minutes, while the trucks only needed 30 seconds on each side plus an additional 10 seconds.
Painting and Sealing: To enhance the durability of the salt dough creations, Brandy recommends sealing them. The process involves painting the dried pieces with acrylic craft paint and then applying a coat of mod podge. Alternatively, clear spray paint can be used for sealing if mod podge is unavailable. This step ensures that the crafted toys withstand the test of time.
Crafting Instructions: Brandy provides clear and concise instructions for crafting these microwave salt dough trucks. The steps involve mixing the dough, rolling it out, cutting shapes with cookie cutters, microwaving in batches, painting with acrylic craft paint, and finally sealing with mod podge. The article also includes a video tutorial for visual learners.
Safety Warning: A crucial element Brandy emphasizes is the importance of keeping salt dough creations out of reach of dogs, as it can be hazardous to their health if swallowed.
Conclusion: In summary, Brandy's article offers a delightful and educational journey into the world of microwave salt dough crafting. From the simplicity of the ingredients to the innovative use of the microwave for quick drying, the crafting process is well-explained, making it accessible and enjoyable for both parents and children alike. The article stands as a testament to the joy of creating homemade toys and fostering creativity in young minds.
