Without Play-dough readily available, my girls grew up forming this into all sorts of shapes. Making it is part of the fun.
About 3 cups of flour
1 cup salt
1 to 1½ cup warm water
Mix all ingredients together. Add food coloring if desired. Knead about 7 minutes. Keep in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to keep moist. May dry overnight in a 200-degree oven in order to harden enough to save any resulting masterpiece.