Some Fun Kids Crafts

By Sherril Steele-Carlin

These fun and simple craft projects are fun at any time of the year, and they are so simple, the entire family can share and enjoy their creation, and the kids will love using them when they are complete!

Funny Putty

1/4 c. Elmer's glue
2 t. Sta-Flo liquid starch

Combine glue and starch; mix well and allow to dry slightly until workable. Store in airtight containers, and use like silly putty.

Soap Paint

1 c. powdered detergent
4 T liquid starch
1 T powdered Tempera paint

Beat detergent and starch with mixer until peaks form. Add Tempera and mix well. Apply with hands, brushes or sticks.

Bubbles

3 parts dish detergent
3 parts water
2 parts glycerin
Food coloring (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and use like any bubble liquid you buy in the store. Enjoy!

Giant Chalk Stick

2 T powdered Tempera paint
1/2 c. water
1 small waxed paper cup
3 T Plaster of Paris

Mix paint and water together in the cup. Slowly add Plaster of Paris, stirring until creamy. Let set until hard (about 1 hour); peel off cup. Can be used indoors or out.

Finger Paint

1 T unflavored gelatin (1 envelope)
Cold water
1/2 c. cornstarch
4 T dishwashing liquid
Food coloring

Stir gelatin into 1/3-cup cold water and allow to dissolve. Set aside. In a saucepan stir cornstarch into 2 1/2-cups cold water until dissolved. Bring to a simmer and stir until fully thickened. Remove from heat and blend in gelatin mixture. Add dishwashing liquid. Cool and add food coloring as desired. Store in plastic container at room temperature.

Paste

1 c. boiling water
2 c. flour
1 T powdered alum
2 c. cold water
1 heaping t. oil of cloves
Oil of wintergreen (optional)

Add alum to 1 cup boiling water. In separate bowl, mix flour and cold water until smooth. Pour flour mixture into boiling water and cook until it has a bluish cast, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in oil of cloves and oil of wintergreen (if using). Use as you would any other paste in craft and kids' projects.