You know how much kids enjoy mixing up things in the kitchen. How about letting them make lip gloss, paper clay, face and body paint and sticky paint? Author and "kid concoction expert" Danita Pagel explains how. Fruity Lip Gloss Materials:
2 tablespoons solid shortening
1 tablespoon fruit-flavored powdered drink
35-mm plastic film canister
Small microwave-safe container
Mixing spoon
- Mix the shortening and drink mix together in a small microwave-safe container until smooth.
- Place the container in the microwave and heat on high for 30 seconds, until the mixture liquefies.
- Pour the mixture into a plastic film canister or any other small, airtight container.
- Place fruity lip gloss in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or until firm.
Paper Clay Materials:
2 cups construction-paper scraps (sorted by color)
4 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup flour
Blender
Small mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Candy molds
- Tear the construction paper into small pieces. Pour 4 cups water and the paper scraps into a blender. Blend for 20 seconds or until the mixture turns into pulp. (After you use utensils for this purpose, it's recommended that you not use them again for food preparation.)
- Drain and squeeze excess water out of the mixture.
- Mix flour and the remaining 1/2 cup water in a small bowl until blended.
- Slowly add the flour and water mixture to the paper pulp. Knead until a dough forms.
- Mold the paper clay by pressing it into candy molds. Let finished creations dry 1 to 2 days (figure A).
Tips: - Try adding paper confetti or glitter to the clay.
- Press the clay into cookie cutters or gelatin molds.
Face and Body Paint Materials:
2 tablespoons solid shortening
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 to 5 drops food coloring
Small makeup sponges
Small mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
- Blend shortening and cornstarch together in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add 4 to 6 drops food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly blended.
- Apply face and body paint to arms, legs and face using a small makeup sponge (figure B).
- Remove paint with soap and water.
Sticky Paint Materials:
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
4 to 6 drops food coloring
Mixing bowl
Mixing spoon
Paintbrush
Paper
- Mix corn syrup and food coloring together in a small bowl until well blended.
- Repeat the process to create different colors of sticky paint.
- Use a paintbrush to apply it to paper.
Tip: - Substitute 1 teaspoon liquid tempera paint for food coloring to create even more vivid colors.
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