Make your own SunCatcher Paint.

While I was at the local Wal-Mart I was in the kid craft area and seen the sun catcher items. I thought "WOW what a fun project for the little one." As I was looking at the prices I thought to myself. I wonder if I can make my own paint. Later that night I was laying in bed, and it hit me. I bet I could just use glue that dries clear. The next morning I got on the internet and did a little searching. Low and behold on ehow they have instructions... GUESS WHAT all it has in it is....thats right clear Elmer glue and some food coloring. So I was stoked. Back to walmart I go. and for a 1.77 I was able to get the glue and for .47 each I got 4 of the individual sun-catcher plastic thingies. I already had food coloring at home so for less than $4.00 I was excited. I got home and in an old deviled egg holder i picked up at a thrift store I poured about 1 tlbs of glue and around 4 drops of color in each.

SOOOOOO the things that you will need are.

• Clear glue (I used Elmer's)
• Food Coloring
• Sun-catcher Shapes
• Paintbrush
• newspaper to cover work surface
  
• ice cube tray to put paint in. (on a side note... If you put the "paint" in something that can be sealed off you can reuse the paint over and over till it is gone)
  

After you have added about a tablespoon or so into the different compartments use a toothpick or Popsicle stick to stir the color into the glue .

On the McCormick page there is a page with all things food coloring and a chart on how to make all the wonderful colors. Here I have orange green in a few different shades blue purple yellow and a brownish color that you get when one drop of each color is added. if you want darker colors add more drops if you want lighter colors like what i have use about 4 drops or so. (some had 5 or 6) The McCormick page tells you around 20 drops for egg dye I don't think you need that much. But Trial and Error is the way we learn right...

Here is the star that I painted . It is still wet. The shapes will take a half hour or so to dry.

UNLESS you have a son that wants the glue really really thick then it may take a couple hours.
But the color is nice....lol

Here they are on a paper towel drying.

After they are dry you can hang them from fishing line in a window and have a something cute to look at and your kiddos to be proud of.

The Kitty and the Dog

A Frog

and the star that i did. I think i am going to see if I cant figure out how to make my own shapes. I know that .47 is not expensive, but the selection of shapes was very limited. Maybe I will check Joann's or Michale's, and see what they have. Anyhoo have fun painting. and creating with the little ones.

new recipes to try!

So i got a book from the library with fun things that you can make with your kiddos. and with all the time that i am spending on Pinterest I thought i should make them and share them with all of you!
When I make them, I will post pictures and a new post to go along with it.

Bathtub finger paints

• 1/3 c clear dish soap
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• food coloring

Mix cornstarch and soap till well blended. pour into ice cube trays and add a drop or two of color and mix. give to child in tub and let them be Picasso.

Sidewalk Paint

• 1/4 c. cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• food coloring

Mix together in a small plastic bowl add in 6 to 8 drops food coloring repeat for additional colors

Bath crayons

• 1 cup ivory soap grated
• 1/4 cup warm water
• food coloring
• somthing for a mold

Mix water, soap and 4 to 6 drops food color stir until it begins to stiffen. remove from bowl kneed till its a very thick dough. Spoon into mold, freeze for 10 minutes and let dry 12 to 24 hours.

Treasure Stones (good for a pirate birthday or dinosaur party)

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/4 cup sand
• 3/4 cup water

Mix together all but the water. Slowly add in the water and knead till a dough consistency. Form into a ball and add treasure or fossil or whatever reshape. Bake at 150 for 15 to 20 minutes or let set for 3 days.