Puffy paint is always a big hit with children. It is fun and different. To save the cost of the small containers at the store, you can make your own puffy paint. The best thing about making your own, besides the lower cost, is the amount you can make for a large group of children like a classroom, girl scout troop or just having friends over to the house.  Start out by collecting bottles that can squeeze out paint, like mustard bottles or used paint bottles that are empty. You can also buy the bottles at the store that have not been used. For some strange reason my children have an aversion to mustard and I know they will not want to use paint from a used mustard bottle.  If you prefer to use a paintbrush to use the puffy paint that would work  also. This paint will dry super shiny and will rise. This will be a hit with the children.

You will need:

Flour

Water

Salt

Food coloring

Mix equal parts of all the materials except the food coloring.  Pour into separate cups. add the desired color of food coloring and mix well. You can then have the children paint with paintbrushes from the cup, or you can our the paint into separate squeezable containers.

This recipe is easy for the children to make their very own paint. Anytime children can make their own craft stuff to use is a great accomplishment.  Another advantage of this easy recipe is that little hands can help even if they stick their curious little fingers in their mouth.  The paint is non-toxic. I have not stored any of this paint, so I will have to update the post when I get the chance to see how well and long this puffy paint will store.  Please feel free to let me know if you figure it out!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk*

*For milk allergies, you may substitute flour for the instant nonfat dry milk.

Mix together until smooth.  Of course, check for peanut allergies if using this with a class or other children.

NO-COOK MODELING DOUGH

2 Cups flour

1 cup salt

water

tempera paint powder

Mix ingredients, adding water to make the dough pliable.  Not too much it will be too sticky.

The dough can air dry to harden or can be baked at 300 degrees for an hour.  The time may depend on the thickness of the creation.

What I learned: Do not use a favorite pan, you can spray pan or use foil lining.  You can also buy any shaped tins you would like to match a theme.  Wouldn’t it be fun to use flower shaped crayons at a spring themed party or Easter?

Here they are cooling down.

All you need:

OLD non-stick muffin pans

crayons

What to do:
Preheat your oven to 250

Peel the paper off the crayons

Break up crayons and place in muffin tins, this is the favorite part, mixina all different colors!

Place the muffin tins in the oven until the crayons melt

Let the new crayons cool

Remove the crayons and color away!

They are super fun to use on large paper.

Directions:
1.  Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small plastic bowl.
2.  Add food coloring & stir.
3.  Repeat with different colors.
4.  Paint (paint can be easily washed away with water)

This fun idea submitted by Teresa!

Ingredients:

7-10 Parts   water
1 Part dish detergent
Glycerin

Directions:

Combine 1-2 Tablespoons glycerin with ingredients.  Use a bubble wand to dip in solution and blow gently to make bubbles!

Glycerin can be found at a drugstore.

Ingredients:

2 cups     flour

2 cups     water

2 TBLS    oil

1 cup        salt

2 tsp         cream of tartar

Food coloring and/or glitter, the color you desire to make.

Stir ingredients and place over medium heat in a pan. I like to use my large fry pan, it seems to cook more evenly.  Cook until the dough pulls away from the side of the pan and is not sticky.  Cool the dough and then knead thoroughly.  Store in plastic bag or airtight container.  The dough will keep for about three months unrefrigerated.

I like to double the recipe if we are planning for playdates or classrooms.

The play dough can be used for free play, making letters, shapes and number or small gifts for friends.

Directions:
1.  Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a small plastic bowl.
2.  Add food coloring & stir.
3.  Repeat with different colors.
4.  Paint (paint can be easily washed away with water)

This fun idea submitted by Teresa!

Directions:
Mix water & drink mix together in a small bowl.
Repeat several times using different flavors of drink mix.
Paint
Allow finished art to dry overnight before scratching and sniffing.

Ideas:
Create one of a kind greeting card or wrapping paper.

This idea submitted by  Teresa the  Super Mom!

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk*

*For milk allergies, you may substitute flour for the instant nonfat dry milk.

Mix together until smooth.  Of course, check for peanut allergies if using this with a class or other children.