Homemade Kids-Safe Paint Recipes
Kids love to paint and be creative. But, parents worry about the mess, fuss and their kids deciding to eat the paint. You can rest easy with a recipe for non-toxic paint.
When it’s time for the kids to do some activities, don’t be afraid to introduce them to the art of painting. Finger painting is a great way for them to explore their creative side and have lots of laughs on a rainy day or one where everyone wants to stay indoors.
But, before we talk about making the paint, here are some tips to get the area ready for the kids to paint up a storm.
Tips for Using Finger Paint with Your Kids
Get them dressed – Have smocks for the kids or dress them in an old t-shirt and jeans that you don’t mind getting messy. Even though you are making non-toxic paint, it might still stain clothing.
Lay down some newspaper – Cover the area with paper to keep paint off the floor. Since you are using natural ingredients in your paint, you can clean up easy enough, but no one wants to accidentally step in paint. If you don’t want newspaper, try an old sheet that you can spread on the ground.
Choose the paper – Here, try to go as big as you can. Give kids a lot of space to draw their pictures. Try construction paper, poster board or cardboard.
Finger Paint Recipes
Now, it’s time to make your paint. Here is a recipe to get you started.
What you will need:
* 1/3 cup pure soap (grated)
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup cornstarch
* Natural dyes
You can find a pure soap at a whole foods store or even try Ivory soap. What you don’t want is a soap that has a lot of perfume and coloring because you are making your own colors.
Natural dyes can come from plants or food coloring. Before artificial colorings were invented, fruits and vegetable juices were used to dye foods and clothing.
What to Do:
Combine half of the water and the cornstarch.
Boil half a cup of water. Stir in grated soap until the soap melts completely.
Combine both mixtures and blend together. Let stand to thicken.
Once the mixture thickens, pour it into smaller bowls. Add one kind of dye to each bowl and mix well. Add a few drops for a lighter color and more for a darker one.
When the kids are done with the paint, store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about two or three weeks.
Non-toxic paint is safer for kids and the environment. If they put any in their mouths, you don’t have to be alarmed because it is made from natural ingredients.
