While there are many varieties of finger paints on the market that are safe and fun for children of all ages to use, children can also make their own finger paints at home that are just as safe and enjoyable. Before tackling this project, you must first designate a place to paint. Because finger paints can get messy, a wide, open space away from furniture, walls, or carpeting is optimal. Dress your children in old clothes that they can get dirty or put an old, adult long-sleeved button-down shirt on them backwards to use as a paint smock. Be sure to cover the area they’re painting on with plenty of newspapers or a drop cloth. Now you’re ready to begin making your finger paint recipe. Most likely, the ingredients you need will already be in your kitchen. Just make sure to have plenty of glossy paper on hand for their artwork as this is the best type of paper to use for finger paints. Butcher or shelf paper works well. Mix together in a saucepan one quarter of a cup of cornstarch, and two cups of water. Boil until the mixture thickens. Allow the mixture to cool, then pour into jars or other storage containers. Add a different color of food coloring to each jar. Because it may take awhile for the finger paints to dry on the paper, consider hanging the paper on a clothesline with clothespins to keep the paper from wrinkling and allow for faster drying. Once the paint has dried, you can help your children decorate their rooms with their new finger paint creations or hang their artwork on the refrigerator for everyone to admire.
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