This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

'Oh Man, We're Outta Paint'

Finger paints at the ready.

With summer in full swing, those gloomy, rainy days can seem the longest to most children. Being a stay-at-home mom with a nine- and seven-year-old can drive you crazy most days. Rainy ones are the worst.

So, while I decide to take to the couch reading a favorite book in my hot pink pajama pants and tank top, I hear my daughter say, "Oh man, we're outta paint." Do I really want to get dressed, go to the craft store and stock up on costly crafts? Not really. 

Having endless information at my fingertips via google a thought comes to mind. Why not just make my own, it can't be that hard. Well, guess what ladies and gents, its super easy!

Find out what's happening in Fridleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's the recipe I found and made with the kiddos:

3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 corn starch
2 cups of water
food coloring

Find out what's happening in Fridleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All you do is add the ingredients to a pot, excluding the food coloring. Boil until it thickens. 

Helpful hints they do not tell you on the internet:

  • Having everything ready to go.
  • Set up your jars.
  • Add your food coloring to the mixing bowls that you need to have at the ready.
  • NEVER walk away from stiring the mixture.
  • If it gets too thick, just add a little bit of water and mix until you get the right consistancy. 

I added one cup of mixture to six bowls that already had their food coloring. Mixed well and put in jars.

I will say that my very active children, with very low attention spans having been sitting at the kitchen table for over an hour very busy with their new paint. As for me, I am back off to the couch to contiune my relaxing day inside my book, while ignoring what mess might be going on at the kitchen table. Because really, why would you give a kid anything a wet sponge couldn't clean up? Happy painting! 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Fridley