In a medium size bowl add flour, cream of tartar, and salt. Stir to mix.
Carefully add the boiling water and oil to the flour mixture. Stir until dough forms. If the dough is too dry add a small amount of water. If the dough is too wet add a small amount of flour until desired consistency is met.
Separate the dough into four equal amounts, and place into the additional bowls.
Add 5 - 10 drops of food coloring and mix/knead with your hands. Continue until all the play dough is colored.