I’m sure you have all figured out by now that I am a sucker for all things cheap and homemade. I have to give credit to my mom for teaching me how to get my hands dirty, and my dad for the cheapskate genes. I think I got the best of both worlds!

When the thunderstorms roll in, I love to gather the kids around the kitchen table and get crafty. We have several sets of store-bought watercolors, but I wanted to try this recipe to see how it compares. Plus I knew the kids would enjoy mixing it up themselves. Recipe courtesy of Kid Concoctions.

3 tbs corn starch
3 tbs baking soda
3 tbs vinegar
1 1/2 tsp of corn syrup
food coloring
small containers

Mix the cornstarch, baking soda & corn syrup, then add the vinegar. Divide into small containers and add 7-8 drops of food coloring.

Drew really enjoyed watching the vinegar and baking soda fizz up, Brinley wasn’t phased at all until we mixed up the pink paint.

We used the watercolors to paint on sturdy chipboard that I had previously cut up and made into postcards. (if you think you might be on our mailing list, act surprised when your postcard arrives!)

Rowan was chillin’ in bouncer on the table (gasp!) while we worked. Before I know it, she will be old enough to join us…

Drew and Brinley were both quite serious about their work…

Ever since Drew started Kindergarten, he is all about drawing/painting flags.

So, my review? The water colors were MUCH more vibrant than the store bought variety, easier to use too. When the paint dried, it left a powdery residue on the paper that brushed off easily. And you do have to stir the containers every once in a while because the cornstarch starts to settle at the bottom. After the kids were done I let the watercolors dry up in the containers, so all we need next time is a wet brush and we are good to go. I’d say it was a success!