How to Make Scratch 'n' Sniff Watercolor Paint

Make scratch-and-sniff watercolor paints with powdered drink mix.

Art activities can help stimulate your child’s imagination and enhance his creativity. While regular paints are a feast for the eyes, homemade scratch-and-sniff watercolor paint can be a treat for the nose. You can mix together a batch of scratch and sniff “paint” at home with just a few ingredients that you may already have on hand. Consider using this craft project to create unique gifts for loved ones.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Unsweetened powdered drink mix (Kool-Aid)
• Empty baby food jars, small cups, or a muffin tin
• Paper
• Paintbrushes

1. Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth.

2. Combine a packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid mix and 2 tbsp. of warm tap water in a baby food jar, small cup or muffin tin. Repeat until you have as many colors as you like. You can use other brands of powdered drink mix, but Jessica Burkett of the parenting magazine Wondertime notes other brands are not as aromatic.

3. Mix the “paint” thoroughly to dissolve the drink mix. Label the colors so you know which one is which, as they may look somewhat similar when mixed up.

4. Designate one paintbrush per color. Dip the paintbrush in the color and brush it on the paper.

5. Allow the colors to dry for at least 20 minutes. Blot if necessary

6. Lightly scratch the dry design with a fingernail and sniff the different colors.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of asking the child what their picture is, say "Tell me about it". This will prevent them from getting their feelings hurt if you can't tell what it is.

• This is a great activity to teach children about colors.

References

• Wondertime: Still Life with Kool-Aid