According to the Silly Putty website, the iconic substance began in a lab in 1943 as a failed formula for synthetic rubber. Seven years later, Peter Hodgson packaged the stretchy goo in a plastic egg and christened it Silly Putty. Since then, many parents and teachers have concocted recipes for a homemade version of the putty. Unfortunately, most of these mixtures contain glue, which can be messy or even toxic. You can make a clean, safe silly putty instead.

Use a whisk to mix the flour, salt and cream of tartar together in a mixing bowl. Separate just over 250 ml (1 cup) of this mixture into a second mixing bowl.

Combine the water and vegetable oil in a small cooking pan.

Slowly blend the dry ingredients into the cooking pan. Whisk the mixture until it is lump-free.

Use the wooden spoon to mix the remaining dry ingredients into the pan. The mixture should have a soupy consistency.

Cook the mixture over a medium heat until it reaches a doughy consistency.

Remove the mixture form the heat. Allow the dough to cool for one hour on a sheet of aluminium foil.

Store your silly putty in an airtight container.