How to Make Glue for Children

Use milk to make glue.

Many children's crafts and school projects involve the use of glue. If you run out of bottled white glue at home, you can easily make some at home. If your children are in upper elementary school, they can help make the glue. There are several different recipes for making glue; two involve common ingredients found in the kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Flour, whole wheat or corn
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Container with a lid
• Milk
• Vinegar
• Glass
• Paper towels
• Coffee filter (optional)

Instructions

Flour Glue

1. Mix 1 tbsp. of flour with 1 tbsp. of water. Mix well so there are no lumps of flour remaining.

2. Boil 1 cup of water, either on the stove or in the microwave. Pour it slowly into the thick flour paste, stirring the entire time.

3. Stir the water and flour paste together until there are no lumps. The paste should be evenly dispersed throughout the water. It will look thin.

4. Allow the glue to cool and pour into a container that has a lid. Store the glue in the refrigerator to keep it from molding.

Milk Glue

1. Pour half a cup of milk into a glass. Add 2 tbsp. white vinegar. Stir gently and allow mixture to sit for several minutes. The milk will begin to curdle.

2. Place a paper towel or coffee filter over the top of the glass. Tip the glass over while holding it over the sink. The thin whey will come out through the filter, while the more solid curds will stay in the glass.

3. Place the curds on a paper towel and put another towel on top. Press down firmly, getting out as much of the whey as possible.

4. Use the curds as a glue paste, or add 2 tsp. whey to the curds to make it more liquid.

References

• Education: Ick Can Stick! Make Milk Glue
• PBS Kids: Glue
• Fiber Images: How to Make Glues
• Kid Spot: How to Make Glues