By Amanda Crowe, Assistant EducatorFollow-up to Creative Playdate: Messy Playdate, December 5, 2013. Kids love to feed their curiosity by making a mess and using their senses in the creative process. Research for the education of the young child shows that more mess-making leads to higher forms of learning. Homemade Peppermint Playdough:Supplies:1 cup flour1/4 cup salt1 tsp cream of tartar (for smooth texture)1 cup water1 tbsp oil food coloring (cake decorators paste or liquid makes great colors)1 tbsp peppermint extract (easily found at craft stores