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Homemade watercolors

Course DIY
Keyword kids art, rainy day activities, science crafts, watercolor paint
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Baking soda and vinegar fizzed, then mixed with cornstarch, corn syrup and food coloring and dried in a mini muffin pan.

What You’ll Need

  • 4 tablespoons baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • liquid food coloring
  • 12-cup mini muffin pan toothpicks, spouted measuring cup

Directions

  • Put the baking soda in the measuring cup.
  • Pour in the vinegar and let it fizz until nearly done before stirring.
  • Stir in the corn syrup and corn starch well, until it is about as thick as Elmer's glue.
  • Fill each muffin cup 1/4 to 1/2 full.
  • Put 1-3 drops food coloring in each and stir with a toothpick.
  • Leave to dry and harden completely, 36 to 48 hours.
  • To use: wet a small brush, swirl it on a color, and rinse between colors.

Notes

For lighter colors, put coloring on the toothpick first. Gel coloring may also work.
Safety: NOT edible. The fizzing is a fun part for kids; use a big enough cup so it doesn't overflow. Food coloring stains.