I love art- it is my favorite mommy-munchkin activity.  My kids love art- they are always up for art in any shape or form.  Having said that, art supplies kind of freak me out.  I know many say 'non-toxic,' but when it comes to art supplies my little kiddos are touching,  smelling and let's admit it, probably tasting, there is a peace of mind that comes from using paint and art supplies that we make ourselves from ingredients that are in our kitchen.   Not only does it turn the activity into a two-for-one ("cooking!"  then "art time!") but I don't have to be on top of them, making sure they don't ingest it as they smear it all over their bodies- paper!!

So we decided to try out a recipe the great folks at Healthy Child Healthy World shared last week.   It was so easy, fun and kept them (especially the 2 year old)  entertained the entire afternoon- so I wanted to share it ASAP!

Part I- My little chefs

Step one is making the finger paint.  Here are your ingredients:

2 cups water

1/2 cup cornstarch

3 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

food coloring (preferably natural )

Have your kids mix all the ingredients together in a bowl

Then, transfer the mixture to a pot and heat over medium heat on the stovetop for approximately 5 minutes (times will vary depending on your stovetop!) until your mixture goes from completely liquid to almost like a soft jello (finger paint consistency)

Once the mixture has cooled, all you have to do is divide it into as many containers as you would like (you can also use a cupcake mold for portability) and add a few drops of food coloring:  and voila you are ready to paint!

Part 2:  Time to do some art!

Have fun and let the kids get as messy as they like!