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Cute & Easy Crafts for Kids

How to… make Homemade Finger Paint


Well… I think any self respecting Kids Craft blog should have a salt dough recipe, a play dough recipe and a finger paint recipe! Not actually having ever made finger paint myself yet, I set out to find a lovely Guest Blogger to do just that for me. And I found the gorgeous Tiffany from Easie Peasie and am SO pleased to have her visit us today! Firstly, isn’t that the most gorgeous photo of Tiffany? Not only does Tiffany create fabulous craft posts for you or your child, but she takes stunning photographs, that really brings it all to life. Check out her fun toddler crafts or her create section for more! And a note to self.. I really *must* go on a photography course. Sigh.

Oodles of fun with easy DIY Finger Painting Recipe - adore this easy recipe that you can make at home quickly and easily. Store in baby food containers. Great upcycle to!

Over to the wonderful Tiffany:

make your own finger paintMaybe it’s because I used to teach high school art…or perhaps it’s because I love a brand new box of crayons…or any new art supply for that matter.  Art supplies make my {heart} happy.
I tried a recipe I found recently for making homemade finger paints for Jaxon…because…you know…I’d prefer him not eat paint made with funky chemicals. And let’s be honest…he’s 15 months old and he’s going to taste-test it. I just know it. I loved how these turned out and I had to share.

how to make finger paints recipe

Aren’t they so pretty!!! Yaaaay! I’m totally in love with them!
I used left-over baby food jars for containers…you know the ones you hang on to because you swear they are good for something!. Lol.

**Please note:  If you add too much cornstarch you will get gloppy paint. Just reduce cornstarch or thin with water for a smoother texture.

Also – I NEVER said these were meant to be literally EATEN by kiddos. When we made these – Jaxon was at the stage where  he was putting everything in his mouth and I didn’t want him to accidentally eat some crazy store-bought paints. For me at least these were safer and homemade. This is NOT EDIBLE paints for kids ! Thank you bunches!!

Here’s the recipe:

  • 3 tbs sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup corn startch
  • 2 cups water

Combine ingredients in small saucepan. Warm until mixture thickens. Cool & pour in containers. Add food coloring to create desired colours. Enjoy!
XoXo
homemade finger paint

Aaah thank you Tiffany! What gorgeous looking finger paints! And great to know that they are non toxic. We will most certainly have a go at making some of these. Fabulous. Don’t forget to stop by at Easie Peasie for more wonderful ideas!

If you liked the Finger Paint recipe, you may also enjoy this great Ice Cube Painting Idea:

ice-cube-painting

Now you have your Finger Paints recipe all ready.. why not explore some more fantastic Rainbow Crafts ideas:

20 Rainbow Crafts to delight

Filed Under: How To's, Kids Craft, Recipes 107 Comments

Comments

  8. Red Ted Art says

    Thank you Laura and Yummy Mummy! I think these are definitely worth a try!! And I agree – don’t the colours look fabulous?

    Reply

  13. Helen says

    I’ve been wanting to do some painting with my little boy for ages, but he’s also 15 months and still puts anything and everything in his mouth! I’ll definately be making some of these over the weekend 🙂

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      Fabulous!! Just note – these are not edible paints, but I guess they are NON TOXIC, as you use food colouring from them home etc…

      Reply

  15. Willoe says

    Those colours are great! I\’ll have to try this out some time. I was just wondering with the addition of sugar, are there any issues with insects being attracted to the finished pieces??

    Cheers,

    Reply

  16. Multiple Mummy says

    These are so on the to do list! I want them to just look good in the playroom, they are so pretty! How long do they last for?

    Thanks for linking to Family Frolics! Hope to see you there again! x

    Reply

  18. Becky says

    I just made this and am absolutely amazed! My little man had a great time painting, hair and all! I was just wondering about storing left overs. Do they need to be refridgerated or how long do they last? Any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks for the post.

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      I have sent Tiffany an email asking, if in doubt, I would store it in the fridge – and it is sure to last a little while. Will let you know when I hear from the finger paint guru!!

      Reply

  20. Beth says

    LOVE this!! What a wonderful idea & I can\’t wait to try your recipe!!! Your picture are stunning too!! I shared with my Facebook readers & am a new Liker =) Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a great week,
    Beth =-)

    Reply

  22. KIMNLEWIS says

    Excellent idea!! I make alot of jewelry making… would this product wash off or rub off easily? I’m thinking it would!! Just a thought!!

    Reply

  28. Ajaire says

    I was just thinking I\’d need homemade finger paint to get some hand prints of my 8 month old. Cause we all know those fingers will get in her mouth before I\’m able to clean them all off! This is perfect. thanks!

    Reply

  29. Red Ted Art says

    Right: Tiffany replied with:

    *Not sure if the sugar will provide a bug problem.. they used theirs up
    *As to longevity – again – they used theirs up v quickly but a teacher friend of hers said that theirs went a little jello like after a few weeks, so they just blitzed it in the microwave again to make it all smooth again!

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      I have to confess, I am not sure (this is a guest post), but I suspect it very much has to do with your food colouring – I find food colouring can be so different. When I use it in playdough, we don’t get stained fingers… but maybe in paint it will? I don’t think it would be very much though, else Tiffany would have mentioned this in her post!

      Reply

  32. rachel mcclary says

    We used to make finger paints using soap flakes years ago, they felt amazing. I\’ve never made them with my kids and you reminded me that I really should. Love this recipe but on a cautious note , don\’t give finger paints to a baby on a high chair tray. I tried it with my eldest. She ate them but never did if we used them on paper on the floor.

    Reply

  33. Non alternative mummy says

    we did a similar thing using plain flour.

    we mixed 1 cup of plain flour with a cup of cold water in a pan then put it over a heat and then added 3 cups of hot water and then cooked it until thick and gloopy.then we split it of and added food colouring. My 7 month old loved it and it was comforting to know she wasnt going to be exploring with \’unknown substanses\’

    Reply

  36. Jackie says

    They are so bright! The only recipe I\’ve tried before were so lightly colored and when we painted with them, they got even lighter. I think they may have dried invisible. I can\’t wait to try out this version!

    Reply

  38. Sara says

    I made finger paints with this recipe for favors for my son\’s first birthday party. They were a big hit! Since it was a monster party I used neon food coloring and ended up with some great colors!

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      I have had that question a couple of times… and to be honest, Tiffany hasn’t said that it does.. which makes me think it doesn’t! But from my experience with food colouring, it really depends on the brand you are using and how much you put in. I have used food colouring in playdough and it has been fine….

      Reply

  41. creativejewishmom/sara says

    Can\’t wait to try this one, even if my kids are a bit old for finger painting, I never did it with them so don\’t want them to feel deprived. Plus those little containers look just lovely! Thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!

    Reply

  42. Kim says

    I was so glad to find your site…I have a 4 yr old son who is autistic and loves to paint as we all know they are not cheap so we will deff be using this recipe for many yrs and save money as we paint…thank you

    Reply

  44. lenard says

    hey tiffany! i just love the looks of your homemade paint, not only are they colorful, they are also safe! my father told me that i should use this as my topic for my investigatory project! thanks for the help!

    Reply

  46. Rebecca says

    Just been looking for kids craft ideas and came across this fab idea.
    I am going to make a ‘Messy Play Kiddie Basket’ for my friends little ones for christmas presents.
    Thanks for the recipe

    Reply

  48. Christina says

    Can these be framed or is the material going to deteriorate over time? Im looking to do a finger painting from our 5 month old to his father for his birthday and I want something that will last for years in a frame. Has anyone framed this baby art??

    Reply

  49. christy says

    I made these finger paints and i was really excited to use then. However the painting that was created did not dry and 2 days later they were the consistence of nickelodeon slim or even jello for that matter… would not suggest this if it is going to be art that is wished to be kept.

    Reply

  50. Meg says

    Since most of the comments are just about what a great idea this is or questions I’ll leave some actual feedback. I made these this morning. Super easy! Fun vibrant colors! I used McCormick food coloring and it did stain my fingers even after just painting enough to test them out. The colors are not nearly as vibrant on paper as they are in the jar unless you glop it on thick, and the thick spot aren’t looking like they’re going to dry they’re looking like gelatin spots on the paper while the thinner spots are looking like watercolors. So far I’d agree with the poster who said it’s not a keep forever type of project but is fine for an hour of fun and entertainment… and a science project watching it go from liquid to thickened in the pan!

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      Hi Meg! Thank you so much for leaving such a kind and thoughtful comment. I believe that sometimes, it is great for the kids to just have fun and enjoy the paints!

      Reply

  51. Laura says

    Love this! Love the use of the brilliant word “gloppy”, must find ways to use it more.

    I have been squirreling away jars for that domesticated moment when I might make jam or jelly but I think they are now repurposed. With a first birthday coming up I can see some fun ahead.

    Thanks again!

    Reply

  52. Jessica says

    I have tried this and I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but it keeps separating :/ Am I just not cooking it long enough?

    Reply

    • Red Ted Art says

      Hello Jessica, so sorry you are having problems, I confess, as this is a guest post, I have never tried it before… I do know many readers, have and have been fine, so not sure what the problem is?

      Reply

  55. Jessie says

    Oooh, this looks fantastic! Do you mix the food colouring in AFTER it cools or before? Thanks- also could you paint with brushes with this paint? Brilliant!

    Reply

  56. Melida Rizo says

    I made my finger paint this morning and I love it!!! Thank you for sharing the recipe!!! Blessings!!!

    Reply

  58. Mary Ann Bacon says

    How long do the finger paints last in the jars? I am interested in making them for my grandchildren. Thank you.

    Reply

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