Ingredients
- 2 cups baking soda, fine and fresh
- 1/2 cup white school glue, washable type
- 1/4 cup water, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar for the mixture
- 1/2 cup white vinegar for fizzing, divided into small cups
- 1 tablespoon liquid watercolor or washable liquid paint for each of 3 colors
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 plastic dropper or pipette, 3 to 5 inches long
- 1 rimmed baking sheet, about 9 by 13 inches
- 1 sheet parchment paper, about 12 by 16 inches
- 3 small cups, 2 to 4 fluid ounces each
- 1 mixing bowl, medium size
- 1 mixing spoon or silicone spatula, 8 to 10 inches
- 1 measuring cup, 1 cup size
- 1 set measuring spoons, including a 1 tablespoon measure
- 1 pair reusable kitchen gloves, optional
- 1 table covering, at least 2 feet by 3 feet
- 1 roll paper towels, for small spills and cleanup
- 1 fine-tip permanent marker, optional for labeling the back
Instructions
- Cover the table before you open the paint.
- Prepare the tray by placing the table covering on a flat work surface, then setting the baking sheet on top. Line it with parchment paper and smooth out the largest wrinkles.
- Mix the baking soda base by adding baking soda, white school glue, water, and vinegar to the mixing bowl. Stir slowly until the mixture looks like thick frosting.
- Check the texture; the mixture should mound softly and settle instead of running.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture onto the parchment, aiming for a layer about 1/8 inch thick.
- Smooth the surface by making long, gentle passes with the spoon, leaving a slightly textured finish.
- Let the base set for 8 to 12 hours until firm and no longer wet.
- Prepare the colors by pouring vinegar into the small cups and stirring in liquid watercolor or washable paint.
- Add small dots of color across the dried surface using the dropper.
- Watch the reaction as the vinegar reaches the baking soda, fizzing and pushing the colors outward.
- Guide the pattern by using the paintbrush to pull a few drops into lines or leaving the bubbles to create their own marks.
- Let the piece dry for another 12 to 24 hours, ensuring not to move it until fully dry.
- Finish and clean up by lifting the parchment, trimming any loose edges, and writing on the back if desired.
Notes
This project suits children about 3 years and older with close adult supervision. Use washable materials and protect surfaces to avoid stains.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
