Make Homemade Finger Paint

Sometimes it’s better to just embrace the mess, right? Children of all ages will love this month’s craft because they get to do just that. We’re going to whip up some simple Homemade Finger Paint and use it to create a Messy Masterpiece. (Don’t worry, it’s safe too!) You’ll need these items:

• Blank paper
• Cornstarch
• Food coloring
• Dish soap
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon/electric mixer

To give you an idea of what to expect, watch this video. Our crafty helpers this month are Carly Swadling, an Education Specialist for Learning Care Group, her husband, Austin, and their 20-month-old daughter, Hallie. Warning: Her darling pigtails might steal the show. Now, it’s your turn!

1. Add 1 cup of cornstarch to your mixing bowl along with 2 Tablespoons of dish soap and ½ cup of cold water. Have your little one help mix it all up until the texture is consistent. Hallie says it will look like soup!
2. Next, add ½ cup of hot water and mix again, this time with an electric mixer to make sure it’s completely combined. It should thicken up a bit during this step.
3. Choose the colors you want to use and separate the mixture into smaller bowls to create your various shades of finger paint. Hallie chose boo, wed, and geen!
4. Put a smock on (or an old shirt) and start creating!

Pro tip: Tape the paper to the counter with masking or painter’s tape to keep it from sliding around.

Add an extra fun element by playing your child’s favorite song to help them create to the beat and feel a little extra inspiration. Hallie loves Moana, so Maui serenaded her creative process.

When the paper becomes too saturated, just swap it out for a fresh sheet to keep the fun going!

Let the artwork dry completely before making room on the fridge or in your art gallery.