Here are Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault’s instructions for using everyday household items to make natural paint, which you can then use for fun projects with the kids.
Natural paint recipes
PANCAKE PUFF PAINT
Materials:
2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Water
Food colouring
Resealable plastic bags
Scissors
White Bristol board
Microwave
Method:
1. Mix flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl and then slowly add water while stirring to create the consistency of batter.
2. Divide mixture into six plastic bags and add a few drops of food colouring to each.
3. Seal the bag and squish the batter and food colouring around to mix. (This part is fun for the kids.)
4. Once mixed, snip the bottom corner of the plastic bag and use as a piping bag on small pieces of Bristol board.
5. Place the painted Bristol board creations in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to make the art puff up. Display proudly.
SCRATCH-AND-SNIFF PAINT
Materials:
1 tbsp white glue
1 tsp warm water
3/4 tsp flavoured gelatin mix
Food colouring (optional)
Method:
1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients and add a few drops of food colouring, if using, to richen the colour.
2. Using an art brush, paint the mixture onto paper and allow to dry.
3. Once dry, gently scratch the surface and sniff to smell the fragrant results.
Note: For extra fun, paint white peel-and-stick labels to create scratch-and-sniff stickers
GUMMY PAINT
Materials:
Plastic squeeze bottles
Unflavoured gelatin packs
Flavoured gelatin packs in various colours and flavours
Warm water
Method:
1. Add 6 teaspoons of warm water, one small packet of unflavoured gelatin and two tablespoons of flavoured gelatin to a squeeze bottle and shake until well mixed.
2. Place in fridge for approximately 10-20 minutes, checking regularly until mixture firms up.
3. Squeeze mixture onto plates to create designs and then place plate in the fridge for another hour.
4. Once firm, peel the designs off the plate and eat the sweet treat.
FACE PAINT
Materials:
1 tsp corn starch
1/2 tsp whole milk
1/4 tsp water
2 drops food colouring
Method:
1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or resealable container.
2. Using a small artist’s brush, use the paint as a watercolour on paper or as face paint.
BATHTUB PAINT
Materials :
Muffin tray
Shaving cream
Food colouring
Stir sticks
Artist’s brushes
Method:
1. Fill each cup of the muffin tin with shaving cream.
2. Add a few drops of food colouring to each cup and stir mixture with a spoon or stir stick.
3. Mix the food colouring to create a rainbow of colours.
4. Use fingers or artist’s brushes to paint the inside of the bathtub with the foamy paint and then wash away when done.
Note: Do not apply to porous, natural stone tiles like marble as the food colouring may stain.
