Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda, standard kitchen baking soda
- 1/2 cup washable liquid tempera paint, divided among 3 to 5 colors
- 1/4 cup water, plus 1 tablespoon more if needed
- 3 sheets 9 by 12 inch heavy watercolor paper, 90-pound or heavier
- 3 small bowls, 4 to 6 fluid ounces each
- 3 craft sticks or teaspoons for stirring
- 3 medium paintbrushes, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 small paintbrush, about 1/8 inch wide, for details
- 2 cotton swabs, optional for dots and tiny marks
- 1 small squeeze bottle, 2 fluid ounces, optional
- 1 pencil, standard writing pencil
- 1 sheet newspaper or 1 reusable plastic tablecloth, about 24 by 36 inches
- 1 smock or old oversized shirt for each child helping
- 1 roll painter’s tape, 3/4 inch wide, optional for holding paper flat
- 1 damp cleaning cloth, at least 8 by 8 inches
- 1 flat drying tray or clean baking sheet, about 12 by 16 inches
Instructions
- Cover the table first with newspaper or a reusable plastic tablecloth.
- Place the three sheets of watercolor paper on the covered table.
- If the edges curl, hold each sheet down with small pieces of painter's tape.
- Use the pencil to draw simple shapes if you wish.
- Put 1 cup baking soda into the three bowls, using about 1/3 cup in each bowl.
- Put about 2 tablespoons of washable liquid tempera paint into each bowl.
- Stir slowly with a craft stick or teaspoon until the powder takes on an even color.
- Add 1/4 cup water across the three bowls and stir again.
- The mixture should resemble thick yogurt or soft frosting.
- Brush a short line on the edge of a paper sheet to test one small mark.
- Use the medium brush to fill in large areas.
- Use the small brush, cotton swab, or optional squeeze bottle for outlines and dots.
- Place a second color beside the first while both are wet.
- Pause for 10 minutes before changing anything on the painting.
- Slide each sheet onto the flat drying tray while the paint is still wet.
- Leave the paintings uncovered to dry for 4 to 8 hours.
Notes
This project suits children around age 3 and older with close adult supervision.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
