How to Make Inexpensive Art Supplies for Kids

Successful completion of the dreaded school project may hinge on the supplies you have on hand the night before the project is due, when there is no time to make a run to the store for needed supplies. Making your own art supplies from common products is quick and easy way to provide needed supplies for completing that project or simply to have on hand when creativity strikes and you are low on supplies.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/4 cup salt Food coloring 1/2 cup powdered soap 1 cup liquid starch 3 cups flour 1/2 cup white glue 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 cup plaster of Paris Tempera paints 1/2 cup cornstarch 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 Envelope unflavored gelatin 2 to 3 drops dish detergent Several Dixie cups

Instructions

1. Make glitter from salt and food coloring. Mix 1/4 cup of salt and several drops of food coloring. Stir until all salt crystals are coated with food coloring. Don't add too much food coloring or it will dissolve the salt. Heat in the microwave or spread a thin layer on paper towels or plastic wrap to dry. Store in an air tight container.

2. Make paint from powdered soap and liquid starch. Dissolve 1/2 cup of powdered soap in 6 cups of warm water. Mix until dissolved. Add 1 cup of liquid starch and several drops of food coloring. Mix well to distribute the food coloring evenly. This paint makes cleanup a breeze and is safe for young children.

3. Make air drying play dough. Mix 3 cups of flour and one cup of salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Combine 1/2 cup of white school glue with 1 cup of warm water and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well. Add the water and glue to the dry ingredients and mix well. Use as play dough and allow shapes to air dry completely. Paint dried shapes if desired.

4. Make sidewalk chalk with plaster of Paris and tempera paints. Mix 1 cup of plaster of Paris with 1/2 cup of water. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of tempera paint and mix well. Pour into Dixie cups or other small containers and allow to dry completely, usually a day or two depending on the thickness of the mold. These chunky chalk pieces are ideal for preschoolers.

5. Make finger paints with unflavored gelatin, cornstarch and dish detergent. Dissolve 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup of warm water and set aside. Blend 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of sugar together and place in a small cooking pot. Add 2 cups of cold water and cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add the gelatin and water mixture and blend with a whisk. Add 2 to 3 drops of dish detergent and enough food coloring to reach the desired color. Separate into several small containers before adding the food coloring and make several colors, if preferred. Cool before using.