Ingredients
- 1 sheet of 9 by 12 inch watercolor paper, 140-pound weight
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup water, plus up to 2 tablespoons more if needed
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 6 small drops of liquid watercolor or washable liquid paint, in 3 to 6 colors
- 6 small cups, each holding 2 fluid ounces
- 1 small mixing bowl, about 2 cups
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 small spoon or craft stick for mixing
- 1 wide flat paintbrush, about 1 inch wide
- 1 small round paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 plastic pipette or medicine dropper, 1 teaspoon size
- 1 pencil, for a very light optional sketch
- 1 plastic tray or rimmed baking sheet, at least 10 by 13 inches
- 1 washable table covering or drop cloth, about 3 by 4 feet
- 1 apron or old shirt for each child helping
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 1 inch wide, optional for holding the paper
- 1 pair of child-safe craft scissors, optional for trimming the dry artwork
- 1 pack of paper towels, about 12 sheets
- 1 pair of reusable household gloves, optional for sensitive hands
Instructions
- Cover the table first with a washable cloth or drop cloth.
- Set up the work area. Place the tray in the center of the covered table.
- Hold the paper in place. Lay the watercolor paper on the tray and use painter's tape around the edges if needed.
- Mix the baking soda ground by adding 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water to the mixing bowl, stirring until it resembles thick yogurt.
- Spread a thin layer of the baking soda paste over the paper using the wide brush.
- Let the surface dry for 2 to 4 hours until it is no longer cool or damp.
- Prepare the colors by pouring 1 tablespoon of vinegar into each small cup and adding 2 drops of liquid watercolor or washable paint.
- Optionally, sketch a very soft guide on the paper using a pencil.
- Dip the small round brush into one color and apply it to the dry baking soda surface.
- Use the pipette to drop vinegar onto the colored areas and observe the fizz.
- Continue adding colors, rinsing the brush between uses, and letting colors touch for blending.
- If needed, use a paper towel to adjust any areas where the color spreads too much.
- Keep the artwork flat and uncovered to dry for 4 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Once dry, remove the tape slowly and trim if desired.
- Clean up by rinsing brushes and cups, wiping the tray, and letting the table covering dry.
Notes
This project is suitable for children around age 3 and up with close adult supervision. Ensure safety by keeping vinegar away from eyes and not ingesting any materials.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
