I am in love with the idea of simple art projects that involve making your own medium and then using it to create something. Sort of like chemistry 101 meets creativity in the kitchen! Last week we made our own watercolors here, and this week we made our own puff paint! Puff paint definitely falls in the category of the type of craft supplies that I wouldn’t ordinarily think of buying, but making your own is another story!
This is a really great activity that will have kids running to the microwave to see the fun results. Encourage kids to use puff paint to create depth or texture on a picture also painted with regular paint. This would be a great technique for making unique party invitations, gift tags, etc. with basic illustrated shapes like balloons, cupcakes, butterflies, hearts, lollipops etc. And if you don’t have a microwave, well, I understand! Maybe this would work in a really hot oven, just don’t leave it in too long! (And let me know if you try it!)
Isn’t my daughter’s hatching egg cute?
You’ll Need:
- very heavy paper or preferably light colored recycled cardboard (like the inside of a food box) or matte board
- a microwave oven
- puff paint, recipe below
Puff Paint Recipe:
Combine the following and mix to obtain a thin paste. Paint doesn’t go
on smoothly like ordinary paint, but should be easy to apply by dabbing
Q-tips or paint brushes on the paper. Add a few more drops of water if
paint is difficult to work with or is lumpy.
- 2 tblsp white self-rising flour (or even regular white flour)
- 2 tblsp salt
- 4 tsp water
- food coloring
How To:
Draw a simple picture or design on cardboard, and fill in with puff
paint. We had the most success with applying drops of the paint to the
cardboard and then moving it around with a paint brush.
Place picture in microwave on high for about 20-30 seconds, or until paint is completely dry.
Remove and admire the results!
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