by Rachel Paxton
All preschoolers love arts and crafts activities.  With a little preparation, you can save money and have fun by making your own paste, playdough, and finger paints for all your preschooler’s craft projects. Let your child help you measure and stir for a fun learning activity!

Finger Painting

1/2 c. cornstarch
1 1/2 tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. cold water
Food coloring

In a medium sauce pan, mix all the ingredients together. Cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes, stirring until mixture is smooth and thick. Cool.  Separate into storage containers and add food coloring as desired.

Pudding Finger Painting

Pudding
Vinyl tablecloth

This activity is fun for all, and safe for young children who can’t help but put their fingers in their mouth. Cover a table with a vinyl tablecloth. Put some pudding at each child’s place. Let them play!

Homemade Paste

1/2 c. flour
Cold water

Add some cold water to the 1/2 cup flour until it is as thick as cream. Simmer and stir on stove for 5 minutes. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container when not in use. Boiled paste lasts longer and sticks better than no-cook paste.

Playdough

2 c. flour
1 c. salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 c. water with food coloring
2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Mix all ingredients together in a non-stick sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until mixture becomes a hard ball. Knead while warm for a smoother consistency. Recipe can easily be doubled or cut in half.

Flubber

1 1/2 c. warm water
2 c. white school glue
1 1/3 c. warm water
3 tsp. Borax
Food coloring

Mix 1 1/2 cups warm water, glue, and food coloring together. In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/3 cups warm water and Borax together. Pour the glue mixture into the Borax mixture and take out of the bowl to knead until flubber is soft and consistent in form. Store in Ziploc bag or tightly sealed container. This stuff is really fun!

Homemade Bubble Solution

1 c. water
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1/3 c. dishwashing liquid

Combine all ingredients. Mix solution well and allow to sit for 1 hour before using. Cover and label any leftover solution and store in the refrigerator.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For resources for the Christian family, including parenting, toddler and preschool activities, homeschooling, family traditions, and more, visit http://www.christian-parent.com

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