The Great Equalizer: Fingerpaint

Sitting in our sunny family art room (er, dining room), exploring primary colors, all of us squishy with paint and laughing. This was little b's first experience with fingerpaint that didn't result in ingestion, and I am thrilled to be opening this chapter with him. Big B proved to be a great teacher, working together with little b to create a collaborative masterpiece. Paint on the floor? No problem; it comes off super easily, with just water (Big B helped with the clean-up too). There are several fabulous ideas out there for displaying your child's fingerpainting. Matte board can be cut in any shape (an oval Easter egg, animal silouhette, alphabet letter, etc.) to showcase the beauty behind it. For these creations, I found this piece of pre-cut matte in my stash and opted for a traditional framing; after all, it represents little b's first real artistic endeavor. Care to make your own fingerpaint? This is another project that the little ones can help with, and the color possibilities are endless. A group of three in small mason jars makes a great birthday gift.

INGREDIENTS:

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 c. cornstarch
3 T. sugar
2 c. cold water
Food coloring
Dishwashing liquid

Soak gelatin in 1/4 c. warm water, set aside. Stir together cornstarch and sugar in a medium sized pot. Gradually add remaining water and cook slowly over low heat, stirring until well blended. Remove from heat. Add gelatin. Divide into mason jars, adding a drop or two of d/w liquid and food coloring to each.