Ingredients
- 1 sheet of 9-by-12-inch cold-press watercolor paper
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/3 cup of white school glue, such as Elmer's
- 1/4 cup of water, plus 1 tablespoon more only if needed
- 3 tablespoons of white vinegar in a small squeeze bottle or dropper bottle
- 3 small cups, each holding 1 fluid ounce, for color mixing
- 3 colors of liquid watercolor or washable food coloring, 1 teaspoon of each color
- 1 small soft paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 plastic spatula or old gift card, 4 to 5 inches wide
- 1 pencil
- 1 ruler, 12 inches long
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 3/4 inch wide
- 1 plastic table covering or reusable silicone mat, at least 18 by 24 inches
- 1 pair of disposable gloves, optional
- 1 stack of paper towels, at least 6 sheets
- 1 shallow tray or rimmed baking sheet, about 10 by 12 inches
- 1 small frame, 8 by 10 inches, optional
Instructions
- Cover the table with a plastic covering or silicone mat.
- Place the watercolor paper inside the shallow tray and mark a light 8-by-10-inch working area with a pencil. Tape the corners down.
- Mix the paste by adding baking soda, white school glue, and water to a clean cup or bowl, then stir until it resembles thick frosting.
- Adjust the texture if needed by adding more water or a small pinch of baking soda.
- Spread the paste onto the painted area using the spatula, creating an even layer about 1/8 inch thick.
- Add texture to the paste by dragging the spatula in gentle waves.
- Let the paste firm for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare the colors by mixing liquid watercolor or food coloring with water in cups.
- Paint the surface using the brush, leaving some white space between colors.
- Layer colors slowly while the previous colors remain damp.
- Add vinegar drops over the painted areas to create fizz and movement.
- Respond to the wet painting if needed by adding color or blotting with paper towels.
- Let mistakes stay gentle and dry the painting flat in a dry place for 2 to 4 hours.
Notes
Keep vinegar away from eyes and supervise children closely during the activity. Cover the work area to avoid cleanup issues.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
