I was recently inspired by Rhea (http://rhea7.wordpress.com/) to revist my childhood playthings. She has an amazing fascination with crayons, and though I cannot write as prolifically about my favorite addiction, it possess the same sway over my heart.
I love Play-Doh.
I’ve never considered myself a three-dimensional artist. I have a cousin who throws clay with the best of them, but I never quite got the hang of it. Play-Doh is no different. I couldn’t make a dog or a house. I got pretty good at snakes though! To be honest, I didn’t really want to make anything with the Play-Doh. I didn’t crack the air-tight seal of those yellow, plastic cans to form a work of art . . . I just wanted to play with the Doh! Another reason I never crafted sculptures is I’ve always hated mixing the colors. Over time you’re left with hues like “Sludge Brown” or “Insect’s Insides.” The primary colors of Play-Doh are so bright and appealing I couldn’t stand to adulterate them. So, I’d choose one shade at a time, spend hours squeezing and rolling it (making various species of snake), then carefully put it back, picking out- if necessary- any unwanted specks of different-colored Doh.
The colors are great, but I especially love the feel. I love to squish it between my fingers and mash it in my fist. If preserved properly that stuff can last for YEARS. It’s the perfect mixture of mailable-suppleness I’ve ever encountered. Well, there’re a couple things that are softer and more tender than Play-Doh . . . but this is neither the time nor the place. 
Still, the most addictive thing about Play-Doh is the smell. It sounds sick, but I love to sniff Play-Doh! I’ve been known to pop open a can just to take a second’s whiff. It’s almost like a drug that calms my spirit and floods my mind with ancient moments of childish joy. I’m an extremely olfactory-focused person. I love smells, and Play-Doh is so vital. Did you know they actually made a Play-Doh cologne to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary? I haven’t been able to find a bottle to buy, but you’d better believe I will when I get my hands on one!
Play-Doh is by far one of my weaknesses. I love playing with it. I love being around people that are playing with it. I wish they made a shampoo that smelled like Play-Doh.
Call me strange. Call me childish. Call me a Play-Doh addict. That’s fine. Rhea and I will just take our crayons and Play-Doh and go home!
Posted by Kevin Olsen 
