Let’s mix up some stuff in the kitchen to for crafting instead of just eating. Note that some of the included recipes may not work as well as you expect due to differing brands available, so be sure to test before sharing any recipes with the kids.
Steps
1. Keep track.
As you experiment with the different types of fun kid recipes, keep notes as to what works, what didn’t, any changes you made to the recipes you found as well as when you could use them. Also, you may want to track whether something you made is edible, stains clothing and more. That way, when you want to use a recipe, you’ll know what the results will be before you start.
2. Bubbles.
You can find recipes for bubbles — from standard to colored or even glow-in-the-dark. Try a few recipes and see which holds the bubble shape the best. You can also check out the supplement for making your own bubble wands.
3. Chalk.
Chalk is a great recipe that goes beyond making it. Try a few shapes and then brainstorm different ways to have fun with chalk.
4. Clay — air dry.
Clay is a wonderful mixture for kids to play with. Explore the challenges of working and storing air dry clay. Be sure to keep this in mind as you mix up a batch or two for experiments.
5. Clay — bake.
Another type of clay is baked. You might also call it dough. This gives you more time to work with it as you don’t have to worry about it drying while you work. Mix a batch or two and experiment with this type of recipe.
6. Crayons.
Making crayons usually involves melting down and remaking crayons from pieces. You can use a variety of molds to make different shapes. In addition, you can cut up coloring books to remove uncolored sheets. Provide a homemade crayon with a few sheets as a service project. Find places locally that will accept your crayon donations.
7. Noodles and rice — colored.
Coloring dry noodles is easy. All you need is a zip top bag with food coloring and pasta. Then, shake. Color your pasta and then dry it on paper towels. This is only one way to color noodles. Explore other ways to make colored noodles. Use your colored noodles to make jewelry or a picture.
8. Paint — finger.
When you mix finger paint, be sure it is a little thicker so you can have texture. Experiment with different recipes and find one that you like. Share it with others.
9. Paint — sidewalk.
My kids always liked sidewalk paint as they could customize the colors. It’s also easier for younger kids to use than chalk. Mix up a few colors and try it out.
10. Paint — watercolor.
Watercolor paint is wonderful when you need to keep the kids indoors during bad weather. In addition to brushes, try using the paint you make with sponges, stamps or other items you have around your house.
11. Paper.
Making paper is another fun project. Start simple with junk mail, a blender and a lot of water. You can find the process for making paper on a variety of sites. Of course, papermaking lends itself to many processes, materials, inclusions and more. Check out the Enrichment Project badge program “Papermaking” if you want to experiment even more!
12. Paste and glue.
When I think of homemade paste, my mind immediately goes to paper mache. This is only one type of glue. You can also make glue for stickers, thick pastes and more. Explore different types of glue you can make and the uses for each. Try one or more glues.
13. Playdough.
Who doesn’t love playdough? You can find both edible and non-edible recipes for this fun material. Try at least three different recipes and see which you like the most.
14. Science.
If you didn’t have enough fun with the craftiness of the mentioned items, you can move into recipes for science fun. From silly putty to slime to oobleck, you can make a variety of items that you can have fun playing with . . . even if you can’t use them for additional projects. Find one or more recipes that have a “science” angle.
Supplements
SUPP_Fun Craft Recipes_2in_12up_larajla
- Avery 2.5” round label printable, 12 up
SUPP_ Fun Craft Recipes_Checklist_larajla
- Badge checklist
SUPP_ABC_Craft Fun_Bubble Wands_larajla
- Craft Fun Sheet: Bubble Wands
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Bubble Solution_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Bubble Solution
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Salt Ceramic_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Salt Ceramic
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Salt Dough_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Salt Dough
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Sand Clay_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Sand Clay
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Sidewalk Paint_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Sidewalk Paint
SUPP_FCR_Formula Fun_Silly Putty_larajla
- Formula Fun Sheet: Silly Putty
Sites to Explore
- www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/recipes
- www.simplekidscrafts.com/category/arts-and-crafts-recipes
- www.livecrafteat.com/craft/homemade-flubber-for-kids
- www.allcrafts.net/kids.htm#CraftRecipesConcoctions
- www.dragonsaretooseldom.com/craft_recipes.html
- www.busybeekidscrafts.com/Craft-Recipes.html
- www.marthastewart.com/268868/how-to-make-sidewalk-chalk
- mykidsmake.com/2011/03/create/diy-watercolor-paint
- www.wikihow.com/Make-Nontoxic-Watercolor-Paint
- www.pinterest.com/handsonaswegrow/craft-recipes-for-kids/?lp=true
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