How to Make Scented Watercolor Paint

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

These fun homemade watercolor paints not only stimulate a child visually, but also their sense of smell. And should a curious mind decide they want to taste the paint, rest assured these homemade paints are all made with non-toxic materials.

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Fostering creativity helps children develop mentally, socially and emotionally. Creating art may boost a young child's ability to analyze and problem-solve in myriad ways. As kids manipulate a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve; as they experiment with materials, they dabble in science.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Video of the Day

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Things You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda

  • 2 tablespoons of water

  • Food coloring

  • Various fruit extracts

  • Ice cube tray

  • Measuring cup with spout

  • Stir stick or spoon

Tip

You can purchase various fruit flavored extracts at your local grocery store or order online. For the yellow, we used lemon extract, mint for green, strawberry for red, and so forth.

Step 1

Place 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into a measuring cup.

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 2

Add two teaspoons of baking soda.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 3

Add one tablespoon of water and stir well.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 4

Add desired amount of food coloring to mixture.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Tip

Use this chart below as a guide to achieve desired colors, noting the drop amounts are approximate and you may need/wish to experiment with less or more.

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 5

Stir color thoroughly.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 6

Add a drop of desired extract and stir well.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 7

Pour mixture onto ice cube tray or muffin tin.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Step 8

Set tray aside and allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Once paint is dry, you can 'activate' the paint by spritzing it with water just like you would regular watercolor, or use vinegar and watch them 'fizz' when the vinegar comes into contact with the baking soda. Have fun experimenting with various colors and let your little budding artist's imagination bloom.

Image Credit: Lucy Akins

Advertisement