(For all ages)
Finger painting is such a wonderful sensory experience for kids. Kids love the feel of the paint between their fingers or toes for that matter!
A few simple rules and preparations before beginning make the experience much more pleasant for both kids and mum!
- Aprons. A must
- Make sure the kids know that they must stay at the table until they have finished painting.
- Place newspaper on tables and surfaces. Makes the job of cleaning up later on much easier.
- Thick paper prevents tearing as finger painting is a little rougher on paper than regular brush painting.
- Have a bucket of soapy water and hand towel ready for little hands.
There are quite a few different types of finger paint which you can make up at home.
Make sure that all paint is stored in refrigerator. It should last for about a week.
Recipe 1
(An old recipe from an old Nursing Mothers Cook Book which I used for my kids – 24 years ago)
12 tablespoons corn flour
8 cups water
Medico dye
1 cup soap flakes
1 teaspoon disinfectant
Set aside 1 cup of water, pour rest into a pain and put on to boil. Meanwhile, measure corn flour into basin and mix in cup of water gradually to make a smooth paste. While water is boiling on stove, add corn flour mixture gradually. Add soap flakes and disinfectant while stirring. Place 1 teaspoon of dye (use different colors) into separate containers mixing each with one teaspoon cold water until dissolved. Then add 3 teaspoons hot water, stirring while doing so. Add corn flour and water mixture to container and stir until dye is evenly distributed. Place in refrigerator, use when cool. Makes about 3 ice-cream containers.
Recipe 2 - Starch Mix
1 cup starch
2 cups boiling water
Medico dye
Add a small amount of water to starch to make a paste.
Add boiling water to starch, stirring constantly. The mixture should become thick and milky. If it does not thicken, it is because the water isn’t hot enough. Simply put on stove and bring to the boil. ½ cup of soap flakes can be added to this mixture for a different texture.
Recipe 3 - Soap flake recipe
2 cups warm water
1 cup soap flakes
Paint or Medico dye
Put water in bowl. Turn electric mixer on and add soap flakes. Beat until stiff. Add coloring and mix thoroughly.
