Homemade Art Supplies
updated September 4, 2015

Some favorite recipes:

Bathtub Finger Paints - from Family Fun magazine

    To make the paint, dissolve one envelope of unflavored instant gelatin in 1/4 cup hot water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 3/4 cups cold water in a saucepan, and stir until cloudy and smooth. Cook the cornstarch mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until thick. Reduce heat, add the gelatin mixture and 1/4 cup mild, liquid dishwashing soap, and stir until smooth. Let cool.

    Divide equal parts of the mixture into small bowls. Add several drops of different food coloring to each (light colors are easier to clean). Store the paints in airtight jars.


Homemade Watercolor Paints - from Family Fun magazine

    Cut the desired palette shape from a piece of cardboard. Glue a set of small plastic caps, such as soda bottle caps or spice jar lids, onto your palette. Make the watercolor paints by first mixing 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 tablespoons white vinegar in a small bowl. When it stops fizzing, stir in 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 teaspoon light corn syrup. Pour equal portions of the mixture into the plastic caps on your palette. Tint the contents of each cap with several drops of food coloring or dye reinker and stir well with a toothpick. Allow the paints to dry completely, about a week, before using for the first time; allow them to dry out fully between uses.


Puffy Paint - recipe found online

    For each color, combine 1 tablespoon self rising flour and 1 tablespoon salt in a small bowl. Add water, mixing to achieve the consistency desired (we used 1 tablespoon water and mixed until the paste was the consistency of stirred yogurt). Add several drops of food coloring and mix again. Keep adding food coloring until you get the color you want. Combine primary colors to get secondary colors.

    Get some sturdy paper or thin cardboard and some Q tips. Use the Q tips to create your design. When you are happy with your design, put it in the microwave for 30 seconds.


Homemade Playdough - from Jazzy Jars: Glorious Gift Ideas by Marie Browning

    Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt and 2 teaspoons cream of tartar in a saucepan. Stir in 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Heat on medium, stirring, until very thick and hard to stir. The mixture will resemble mashed potatoes. Remove from heat and allow to cool 5 minutes. Turn out on a lightly floured surface. Divide into three equal parts. Add 1 teaspoon unsweetened drink mix, such as KoolAid, to each part. Knead until pliable and an even color. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight plastic container to keep fresh.


Sidewalk Chalk - from Family Fun magazine

    Liberally coat the interior of a plastic Easter egg with petroleum jelly. Set upright in an empty egg carton. Add extra petroleum jelly around the seams. In a disposable cup mix 1/4 cup Plaster of Paris, 2 T cold water, and 2 T powdered tempera paint. Mix well with a plastic spoon. Spoon mixture into egg halves. Let stand for a few minutes. Snap egg halves together and briskly shake to combine. Let stand overnight before removing.


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