Making your own finger paints is fun and easy to do. You can save money and use non toxic products which is great for the environment and your children. You know how important it is that the paints are free of harmful ingredients especially if they are used by kids. With many products being made in unregulated countries, more toxic materials are being found in too many products all the time. It is prudent to be on the safe side and know exactly what is in the paints your children use by making your own. Also making these non toxic finger paints makes for a great fun activity to do with your children.

Finger painting is a fun, sloppy and crazy activity that invites the adults to participate along with the kids. The paint feels silky smooth under your fingers and the designs you can make are marvelous. Finger painting provides a brain stimulating activity for your children. They use many of their senses and they increase their artistic talents. There are quite a few different recipes for homemade finger paints, but these are my favorites:

PARENTS WILL APPRECIATE THIS WASHABLE FINGER PAINT RECIPE:

* 2 tablespoons of sugar

* 1/3 cup of cornstarch

* 2 cups of cold water

* 1/4 cup of liquid dish-washing soap

* Food coloring drops of concentrated tempera paints

Mix the sugar and cornstarch over medium heat, slowly adding cold water so there are no lumps. Keep stirring and turn the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is a clear smooth gel. When cool, separate into small bowls or muffin tins. Add the coloring to make the desired brightness or make new colors by blending in the primary ones together. This is a heavier and wetter paint, so you will need to use glossy finished finger painting paper.

ANOTHER FINGER PAINT RECIPE:

* 1/2 cup cornstarch

* 3 Tbsp. sugar

* 1/2 tsp. salt

* 2 cups cold water

* Food coloring or concentrated tempera paints

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium pan and cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring until it is smooth clear and thick. Take off the heat when the mixture has thickened and let cool. Separate into portions and color as described above. Use finger painting paper or newspaper to paint on.
You can add a tablespoon of glycerin when cooled to make the paint shiny. Or you can add glitter to change textures and add sparkle to the painting.

NO COOK FINGER PAINT:

* 2 cups white flour

* 2 cups cold water

* Food coloring or tempera color

Pour the water into a large bowl; add the flour slowly stirring constantly. stir until it is totally smooth, divide into smaller bowls or muffin pan and add food coloring or tempera colors.

It is important to cover each child with a craft smock or a large old shirt so their clothes will not get stained when finger painting. Cover all surfaces with a protective vinyl tablecloth or newspaper before setting up the paints and paper. It makes for an easier clean-up and whoever is finger painting doesn't have to worry about making a mess. Soap and water will do the trick of cleaning up the painters effectively.

Make a clothesline indoors and hang the artwork to dry with a clothespin. Then choose the child's favorite work of art and hang it on the refrigerator for display. It will be a source of pride for your child.

Why waste money and worry about the toxicity of store bought finger paints when it is easy to make your own. Have fun with your child or children and don't forget to have fun yourself!

Learn more about this author, Annie M Manzi.
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