Homemade Paint Recipes for Kids

Shake It Paint Recipe

This is a fun action-art project. Kids place paint and golf balls in a pan, then shake the pan to create designs.

Ingredients

• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup liquid starch
• 1/4 cup flour
• Food coloring
• Paper
• 2 to 3 golf balls

Directions

1. Place water, starch and flour into a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Allow the mixture to cool.
4. Pour into small plastic containers.
5. Add different food coloring to each container.
6. Place a sheet of paper in a baking pan.
7. Drip colored paint onto the paper.
8. Add golf balls and have kids gently shake the pan to make a design.
9. Remove the paper and let dry.

Squeeze and Drip Paint

This paint is great for squeeze bottles, drip art and raised-line designs.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons dry tempera paint, any color
• 1/2 cup water
• Plastic squeeze bottle

Directions

1. Mix salt, flour and dry tempera paint together.
2. Stir in water until the mixture is thin enough to drip from a spoon.
3. Use a funnel to fill squeeze bottles.
4. Let kids drip designs onto construction paper.
5. Dry flat overnight.

Easy Soap Paint Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups soap flakes
• 1 cup hot or warm water
• Coloring

Directions

1. Combine soap flakes and warm water.
2. Whip with an eggbeater until stiff.
3. Add coloring.
4. Store in plastic containers.

Scratch and Sniff Paint Recipe

This scented paint is simple and fun for cards, posters and seasonal craft projects.

Ingredients

• Flavored gelatin or powdered drink mix
• Water
• Paintbrushes
• Paper

Directions

1. Mix flavored gelatin or drink mix with half the water suggested on the package directions.
2. Paint with the scented mixture.
3. Allow to dry completely.
4. Scratch gently to smell the scent.

Puffy Paint

Submitted by Sandy from Queensland

Ingredients

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring

Directions

1. Mix flour, salt and water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Divide into containers.
3. Add food coloring.
4. Paint on thick cardboard.
5. Have an adult microwave for 10 to 30 seconds.
6. The paint will puff and dry.

Homemade Puffy Paint with Shaving Cream

Submitted by Dorinda from Wonewoc, WI

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup white glue
• 1/2 cup shaving cream
• Food coloring or glitter, optional

Directions

1. Mix equal parts white glue and shaving cream in a bowl.
2. Stir together for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add food coloring or glitter if desired.
4. Paint with brushes or place in squeeze bottles.
5. Let dry. It will dry to a puffy, marshmallow-like texture.

This paint works well for snowman cards, clouds, winter crafts and textured art projects.

Sidewalk Chalk Paint

Submitted by Laura from Breckenridge, MN

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• Food coloring as desired

Directions

1. Mix cornstarch and water together until smooth.
2. Divide into containers.
3. Add food coloring to each container.
4. Paint on sidewalks or driveways.

A 3-cup batch makes enough for about 6 to 8 colors.

Homemade Face Paint Recipe with Cold Cream

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cold cream
• Food coloring
• Small containers, one for each color
• Small paintbrush

Directions

1. Stir together cornstarch and cold cream until well blended.
2. Add water and stir.
3. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the desired color.
4. Paint on with a small paintbrush.
5. Store in covered containers.