DIY Fingerpaint

DIY Fingerpaint

2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 cups water
1/4 cup liquid dishwashing soap
Food coloring

1. Mix the sugar and cornstarch (we think this works better than flour, but you can substitute wheat flour; just double it-you'll want one part flour to three parts water) in a saucepan and slowly stir in the water.

2. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture is a clear, smooth gel. Stir in the soap and remove from the heat. When cool enough to handle, scoop it into storage containers (we prefer glass to plastic) and add food coloring until your desired shades are achieved.

3. Paint and enjoy!

When summertime rolls around, cleanup (of the artist, at least) is as easy as a dash through the sprinkler; taking some necessary precautions (like a nice big dropcloth) will make cleaning your young artist's studio a breeze.