Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine table salt
- 1/2 cup warm water, plus up to 2 tablespoons more only if needed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 small plastic dinosaur figures, each about 2 to 4 inches long
- 1 sheet parchment paper, about 12 by 16 inches
- 1 rolling pin, 1 piece of smooth dowel, or 1 clean glass bottle
- 1 flat ruler or butter knife (optional)
- 1 medium mixing bowl, about 2 quarts
- 1 wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small paint palette or clean jar lid
- 2 fluid ounces tan acrylic craft paint
- 1 fluid ounce dark brown acrylic craft paint
- 1 small cup holding 2 fluid ounces of clean water for rinsing the brush
- 1 disposable table covering, such as a drop cloth or opened paper grocery bag
- 1 pair of reusable household gloves (optional)
- 1 lidded container or shallow box for storing the dry fossils
Instructions
- Cover the table first with the disposable paper or drop cloth.
- Measure the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup salt to the 2-quart mixing bowl. Stir them together for about 30 seconds.
- Add the wet ingredients slowly. Pour in 1/2 cup warm water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Stir with the wooden spoon until shaggy pieces form, then use your hands to bring the mixture together.
- Knead until the dough feels smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prepare the dinosaur figures by wiping them with a slightly damp cloth and drying them well.
- Divide the dough into four similar portions and roll each portion on parchment until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Press the first dinosaur into the dough straight down and lift it carefully.
- Repeat the same press-and-lift pattern with the other three dinosaur figures.
- Trim or soften the edges using the flat ruler or butter knife, if desired.
- Move the fossils to dry by sliding the parchment onto a shelf or tray.
- Once the fossils feel completely firm after 24 to 48 hours, paint them with a thin layer of tan paint.
- After the tan paint dries for about 30 minutes, use dark brown paint sparingly around the dinosaur marks.
- Let the painted fossils dry for 1 to 2 hours before storing.
Notes
This project is suitable for children ages 3 and up with close adult supervision. Ensure that small dinosaur figures are kept away from younger children who may mouth objects. Use washable paint for easier cleanup.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
