How to Dye Noodles for Kid Crafts

Pasta comes in many fun shapes and can be dyed for kids' craft projects.

If you are looking for a fun and simple craft for children, nothing beats using colored pasta noodles to make all kinds of creations. Colored pasta can be used for simple jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces when paired with yarn or thread. Or, make a mosaic with many different colors and shapes of pasta. You can purchase colored pasta at many craft supply stores, but it is more fun and cost effective to dye it yourself. You can involve children in the coloring process by asking them to help gather, measure and mix the ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Rubbing alcohol
• Food coloring
• Plastic gallon-size bags
• Strainer
• Newspaper
• Pasta in several different shapes

Instructions

1. Pour 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol into a zip-lock gallon storage bag. Add about 10 or 12 drops of food coloring and secure the bag tightly. Use your hands to mix the alcohol and coloring.

2. Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta to the bag and seal tightly. Shake the bag to coat the pasta with the colored rubbing alcohol.

3. Lay the bag on a flat surface so that the pasta lies in one layer. Leave the pasta in the bag for approximately one hour and then flip the bag over. This ensures that the pasta will be evenly coated with the color mixture. Leave the bag lying flat for another hour.

4. Inspect the pasta to be sure the color is even and is as deep and rich as you want. If the pasta is not quite the right color, allow it to sit in the bag a bit longer.

5. Drain the pasta using a strainer, but do not rinse.

6. Lay the pasta in a single layer on newspaper and allow it to dry completely before allowing children to handle it.

References

• "Creative Activities for Young Children"; Mary Mayesky; 1996