Finger paint is something I never buy because it is so much more inexpensive to make.  That certainly isn’t true for many things, but it definitely is here.  I like these particular recipes because they take advantage of items you probably already have in your kitchen.  I should note that I have tried several, and I can tell you that some are definitely better than others.   There are quite a few that use dish soap and various coloring agents, but I’m not comfortable with them.  My goofballs are just a bit too lickity.   In my opinion, these are the best, and completely non-toxic, too. The first is one my Mom used when I was little.  It’s one of those *duh, of course!* things for me.  I have many of those because I’m not at all crafty or creative by nature.  In this instance, the apple has fallen far from the tree because my mother can build a car out of acorns.  Well, not really, but it seems that way to me.  :)

Edible Pudding Paint
1 Jello Instant Pudding 4 serving
Assorted Food Coloring

Directions:
Mix pudding according to package directions.  Add food coloring as desired.

I have my own opinions about the pudding recipe.  While I think it’s fine for older children who understand what is edible and what isn’t, I think smaller children will translate the ability to eat this paint with eating other paint.  Obviously, this varies child-to-child, and this is something I easily used with my son when he was little.  My daughter doesn’t seem to have any ability to differentiate, so I would never use an edible recipe with her.   All of this to say, use your own judgement, as you know your child best.  :)

Original Fingerpaint – My kooky girl friendly recipe
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
2 Cups Cold Water
Food Coloring

Mix water and cornstarch in small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a boil while whisking continuously.
When the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat and allow to cool.
Divide into individual containers and add food coloring.

There are other recipes out there that include flour, Jell-O and Kool Aid.   I don’t care for any of them for a variety of reasons.  The flour paint doesn’t spread well and the consistency is poor.  The same is true for the Jell-O paint.  The Kool-Aid stains.  Yep, anything that requires more work to clean than to make is not a fun time for me.  Any project that is a letdown for the kids is equally bad, so stick with either the cornstarch recipe or pudding if you’re going to try this one out.

Thanks, Mom!

Fall is here and that means cooler temperatures and even cooler weather to come.  That also means less play time outside and more cabin fever for the kids.  With that in mind, I thought this was the perfect time to share some of my fun finds that I’ve used to keep my kids busy.

Every Friday, I’ll share with you one new, fun project that you can do with your kids, grandchildren or you can pass this along to a Mom you know!