Tired of purchasing endless art supplies for your little one? Well, there are ways around that, mama!
Had enough of dealing with all the empty packages of store-bought play dough and paint? Fed up of having to constantly remind your toddler to NOT pop his art projects into his mouth for a taste? Consider making your own then, with ingredients from your kitchen. Try these simple, (sometimes delectable) recipes for arts and crafts use.
Basic play dough
This playdough can be made in about 15 minutes or so and is easy to store too. Plus, if it gets a little tough to work with, adding a bit of water will set it just right again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- food coloring
Method:
- Combine the flour and cream of tartar in a saucepan. Then add the water and vegetable oil. Turn the heat to medium/low and stir constantly for a minute or two until it is relatively smooth and the ingredients are combined.
- Next, add food coloring until you achieve the desired color and tone, and continue to stir as the dough thickens.
- The dough will begin to clump around the spoon and form into a big lump. Remove it from the pan, and allow it to cool on waxed paper. After it has cooled, knead it to eliminate lumps.
- Your home-made play dough is now ready for use and can be stored in airtight containers for use again.
Peanut Butter Play Dough
The name says it all, although over-sampling is discouraged or junior might spoil his appetite for dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
Method:
- Mix all ingredients until well-combined. Your toddler can help with rolling and shaping the dough. This version is also easily stored in an air-tight container. (Please discourage your toddler from sampling stored play dough, for fear of contamination).
Watercolor paint
This watercolor paint is a cheap alternative to store-bought varieties and you can make virtually any color or scent your child likes.
Ingredients
- Water
- Food colouring
- Scented food flavouring
Method:
- Place 1 few tablespoons each of food colouring and food flavouring in a bowl and add a small amount of water at a time until you get the right tone of color you wish to create. Mix and match the flavours for the color and scents you prefer. The art pieces created with these paints will keep their scents even after they have dried.
Finger Paint 1
Ingredients
- 2 cups white flour
- 2 cups cold water
- Food coloring
Method:
- Pour cold water into a large bowl. Slowly stir the flour into the bowl. After it is mixed well, divide it into smaller bowls, and add food coloring as desired. Your homemade finger paint is ready for use!
Finger Paint 2
This variation of edible finger paint allows little ones to ‘play with their food’, so to speak! It’s really fun for toddlers who are keen on exploring textures and are into putting stuff into their mouths. They can have fun painting with their hands and fingers, or, if they prefer, with little paintbrushes. Wipes of easily after use!
Ingredients
- plain yogurt or vanilla pudding
- food coloring
Method:
- Add the desired amount of yogurt or pudding to containers and mix them in the desired food coloring. For a specific scented paint, you can add in desired food flavouring.
Featured image source: iStock
