Painting with Shaving Cream

I love to get messy and so do my kids.  I think finger painting with shaving cream is the best!  On a day when we are bored, we will cover the countertop with plastic trash bags and get out the shaving cream.  We use the cheapy, aerosol, white foam kind (you can pick up at the dollar store or at Wal-Mart or Target).  Each child gets a massive squirt either directly on the plastic or some butcher paper.  I then give them several drops primary colored tempera paint, but any washable paint will work.  Then the kids just get to mixing.  And this time I gave them a bunch of toy cars to drive through the foam.  It is a ton of fun.  Even my little one gets into painting the paper and herself.  I think it gives new meaning to "God's work of Art". 

Silly Putty

1/2 c Elmer's glue
1/2 c Starch -- liquid
Food coloring


Do NOT substitute any other glue for Elmer's glue! Slowly add starch
to glue and knead with fingers. The more you work with it the better
it jells. Add food coloring if you want.

Sidewalk Chalk

1 c Plaster of paris (do not pack)
About 1/3 to 1/2 cup cool water
Liquid tempera paints, any color


Pour plaster into a disposable container (i.e. margarine container or
large paper cup.) Stir in most of the water. Add 2-3 tablespoons of
liquid tempera, mixing well, especially at the bottom. Add a little
more water as the mixture thickens. Stir well and pour into
containers. Three-ounce paper cups work well. Peel paper off when the
chalk is dry.

Microwave Play Doh

This recipe can also be found in Anja's Pinkalicious Lesson Plan.

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons cream of tartar
3 cups plain flour
4 tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup salt
3 cups water
food coloring/powder paint/or Kool Aid packet

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in microwave proof dish and beat until smooth. Cover with cling wrap and microwave on high for 7 minutes, stirring half way through cooking. If the mixture is still gooey, microwave for another minute. (Since all microwaves are different, be sure to watch the dough while cooking). Cool and store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Homemade Playdough

Ingredients:

1 c. water
1/3 c. salt
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
10 drops food coloring
1 c. flour
1 tbsp. cream of tartar

Directions:

Over medium heat, add water and salt. Stir until salt is dissolved. Add vegetable oil and food coloring. Remove from heat and add flour and cream of tartar. Mix well. Mixture will thicken quickly as you mix. Knead to a smooth texture. Cool and store in an air tight bag or container.