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!
I love the homemade watercolor idea! Thanks for posting the receipe, so sweet to share your cheapness, and creativity! I am way excited to try this out. Also the ice cream ball is so awesome! Where did you get it from? I love their ice cream bowls too! So cute! I love all of your fun ideas! You should write a book or something 🙂
What the heck woman?! You have seriously got to be the most fun mom. You are always doing fun things and in the process making me look bad. 🙂 You’re making homemade ice cream and watercolors while I tell Reese to go watch “Pooh” again. I seriously can learn from your example. That recipe sounds pretty simple too. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. I was afraid I hadnt passed anything on to you. You have surpassed my abilities by far! You are a fun and creative mom and I am so proud of what you are doing. thanks and keep it up!
Very cute idea.. I will have to try it out some time. You are right, you come up with cheap, creative ways to have fun. I totally admire you!
You always have the cutest ideas and thank you for the web site! You are such a fun mom!
What a great idea – I’m going to try it!
your baby is getting cuter by the day! fun idea.
Gosh I love your pictures Amy! I must ask… I know I am still learning how to use my camera but what I am struggling with is color and lighting! Your colors and light are ALWAYS perfect in every picture, no matter where you shoot it… how do you do that?