Homemade Finger Paints

This makes a fabulous babysitting co-op shift activity (if you warn the other parents ahead of time and ask them to send their kids in "painting clothes") or a thoughtful gift for an artistic toddler or preschooler. ALL toddlers and preschoolers are artistic.

Two recipes:

The Sweet Recipe (that has to be cooked on the stove)
3 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cornstarch
2 c. water

Combine the ingredients in a small saucepan. Warm the mixture over low/medium heat until it thickens. Cool the mixture and pour it into containers. Add food coloring to create desired colors.

The Salty Recipe (that doesn't have to be cooked)
1 c. flour
1/4 c. salt
7/8 c. cold water (1 cup minus 2 Tbs.)
A few drops of food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth. Divide into containers, and add food coloring to create desired colors.

Enjoy!