Make your Kids Their Own Craft Supplies!! 6 DIY Recipes!

If you have a kid or two running around your place... then this post is for you! I was sitting here thinking of what to do with my niece when I watch her... and I was stumped, so I called a friend who gave me ALL sorts of great ideas. FYI: I have no kids. So if you have your kiddo's home for the summer throughout the week, or even just have to entertain them on the weekends because they are in Daycare... whatever... it's summer!

Have some fun with some of these home made recipes... Some might be messy...er than others!! But all in all, the kids will have fun! And I'm sure you will too! Keeping in mind... the kids (depending on their age) are only going to be using the stuff... you Mom or Dad or sister... or babysitter, or in my case Aunt... are going to be the one making it!

The great thing about these supplies is they are non-toxic, all natural which is excellent since its kids that will mostly be using them!

Sidewalk Paint

Supplies
Food Coloring - Liquid
Hot water
Cornstarch
Small bowls (one for each colour)
Bottles or Containers (one for each colour)






Directions
Pour a 1/4 cup of corn starch into each bowl and then add a 1/4 cup of water into each bowl. Add 6-9 drop of food coloring, and stir until it is completely blended. Pour each colour into it's own bottle or container to store it. If the paint has sat awhile and started to separate, shake it up really good before using, it will be fine.

Watercolour Paint

Materials 
Baking soda
Cornstarch
White vinegar
Light corn syrup
Food coloring

Note: If you don't have cornstarch you can boil 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water until clear and use that!



What you do
Combine 3 tablespoons of baking soda, cornstarch and vinegar (3 tbsp each) and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cornstarch. Once the fizzing subsides from the mixture, stir it until it's well mixed. Pour the mixture into container (you can get a paint tray at the arts and crafts or dollar store or you can use a plastic egg carton or whatever you can come up with) and add the food colouring. Make sure you add the food coloring right away, as the paint starts to solidify almost immediately. Once mixed, leave them out to harden for at least three hours before use.

Finger Paint

Supplies needed
1 cup of cornstarch
3 tablespoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of cold water
Food coloring or Natural dyes






What you do
Combine all ingredients except food coloring in a medium saucepan and mix well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Divide into separate containers and add food coloring. Keep in mind that this homemade recipe for finger paints works best when it's used right away. So use it up the first time!!!

Glitter

Mats
1/4 cup of salt
1/2 teaspoon of food coloring - Must be liquid
Baking Sheet
Tin Foil











Deets
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix salt and food coloring in a small bowl until the salt is fully coloured. Spread the mixture out in an even layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Allow to dry before using! If mixing different colours, mix in separate bowls. You can separate it on the baking sheet or bake at separate times. Store in air tight container. Your homemade glitter will last for months!

Paper Mache or Craft Paste 

Materials 
1/4 cup of salt
1 cup of flour
1 quart of water
Saucepan
Jar or Container to put the mixture in






What to do 
Boil one quart of water in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the salt. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly to prevent it from lumping. Stir until the mixture is the consistency of thick gravy. You may need to add a little more flour or water to achieve the desired result. Allow the mixture to cool before using it. You can use the paste immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Paper Glue 

What you need 
1/2 cup of cornstarch (cooked and stirred)
1 1/2 cups of water
4 tablespoons of Light corn syrup (or 1 sugar 1/2 cup water, boiled until clear)
2 teaspoons of White vinegar
Saucepan








What you do
Combine 4 tablespoons of light corn syrup, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and mix over medium heat until thickened. Once thick, remove the mixture from the heat. In another dish mix together 1/2 cup cornstarch with 1/2 cup water and add it to the other heated ingredients. Stir well until blended. Put it in a container and it's ready to use! Use this glue immediately after making or you can keep it in the fridge for up to about 2 months or so. It's good for any craft that require transparent glue... like cards or scrapbooking.

So, surprise your kids with some paint and have some fun today... or whenever you can! Or make some glitter or paper mache for yourself!! Enjoy!!

xOx - L

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