How to Paint With Jell-O

Jell-O, it's not just for dessert; it can be art as well!

Jell-O is not what you might think of first when you are considering possible art supplies. However, given the bright, vibrant colors of most Jell-O flavors, you can make paint mix out Jell-O easily. Jell-O is especially suited for watercolor painting, with the added feature of watercolors that double as scratch-n-sniff art. You can also turn Jell-O mix into an oil-based paint, but the scent of the Jell-O mix will not be as noticeable.

Things You'll Need

• Jell-O Mix
• Small jars or other small glass containers (baby food jars are ideal)
• Water or linseed oil
• Small spoon or stirring stick
• Pencil or crayons
• Watercolor paper or canvas
• Paintbrushes

Instructions

Mixing the Paint

1. Pour dry Jell-O mix into small glass containers.

2. Add a small amount of water or linseed oil. Do not add too much, you can always add more if the paint is too thick.

3. Stir paint mix with the small spoon or stirring stick.

4. Prepare each flavor/color of Jell-O in a separate container.

Applying the Paint

1. Sketch with a pencil or crayon whatever image you wish to create onto the paper or canvas before beginning to paint.

2. Use the paintbrushes to apply the paint mixture to the canvas or paper, whichever one you are using.

3. Lay paper or canvas flat to dry. Linseed oil-based paint mixture will take much longer to dry than a water-based mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not over-mix the paint, especially when used water for a base. Mix the Jell-O only until all the clumps are gone.

• When mixing your paint colors, only add enough base to create a smooth textured paint. Make sure you make mix the colors to a darker hue than you want on the painting surface, the color will be substantially lighter when you apply paint to the paper or canvas.

• When mixing colors, remember the color wheel. If there is not a Jell-O flavor that produces the exact hue you want, mix primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to get the precise shade of color you want.

• Do not eat or drink Jell-O paint mix even if it is water-based. Jell-O paint mix will be more concentrated than prepared Jell-O.

References

• Kids Craft Zone; Jell-O Finger Painting; Emily James; 2011
• Our Big Earth; Kids Food Crafts-Painting With Jell-O; Robin Rivers; January 2010
• Just Preschool Themes.Com; Letter J Crafts and Activities; Febuary 2009
• Easy Child Crafts.Com; Fantastic Frugal Fingerpaint Recipes; Rachel Keller

Resources

• Kaboose; Gelatin Painting with Ice Cubes; Tania Cowling