Homemade paints... finger paints from jello to pudding to kool aid to cornstarch

[Tami MacLeod]

Children love to finger paint. These homemade recipes are appropriate for even young children because they are nontoxic. Spread some waxed paper or white paper on the ground and let your kids turn out their first masterpieces!

Kool-Aid Finger Paint

2 cups flour
2 packages un-sweented Kool-aid
1/2 cup salt
3 cups boiling water
3 Tablespoons oil

Mix wet into dry. The kids love the color change.

Jell-O Finger Paint

Any kind of flavored Jell-O
Enough boiling water to make it a good consistency.
Use your normal finger-painting material or glossy paper. Kids love the smell and the feel of it.

Scratch and Sniff Paint

Mix flavored gelatin or Kool-aid package into half the water suggested in the package directions. Paint with the scented mixture and allow to dry. You will have a scratch and sniff painting

Cornstarch Finger paint

3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
Medium saucepan
2 cups cold water
Muffin tin or small cups
Food coloring
Soap flakes or liquid dishwashing detergent

Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Turn heat on low, add cold water, and stir until mixture is thick. Remove from heat. Divide mixture into four or five portions, spooning into muffin tin sections or small cups.

Add a few drops of food coloring and a pinch of soap flakes or a drop of liquid dishwashing detergent to each portion. Stir and let cool before use. Store covered.

Flour Finger paint

1 cup flour
2 tablespoons salt
Saucepan
1 1/2 cups cold water
Wire whisk or eggbeater
1 1/4 cups hot water
Food coloring or tempera paint

Put flour and salt in saucepan. Add cold water and beat with whisk or eggbeater until smooth. Add hot water and boil until mixture is thick. Beat again until smooth. Color as desired with food coloring or powdered tempera paint. Store covered in refrigerator.

Shaving Soap Finger Paint

1 can of non-mentholated shaving soap
powdered paint

Empty can into recycled butter containers, sprinkle on powdered paint. Mix well. Can be played with on paper, kitchen table or counter. Keep out of eyes. Not for little ones who put their fingers in their mouths

Edible Pudding Paint

Instant vanilla pudding
Food coloring

Mix pudding according to directions. Add food coloring for desired color. Use on paper plates.