Fascination of finger paint
Finger paint is a wonderful medium to express through art, for the early years of childhood and beond. A very creative act by itself can be the way how hands, lower arms or feet are used. The utilisation of sponges, cloth, paint brushes, shaving brushes, self made potato stamps, leaves or any other child safe tools can bring further fun. With finger paint children can get creative in many ways. They can dive into their own world of fantasy and develope further imagination, form their spatial imagination and practice fine and gross motor skills. Moreover they can interact with family members and practice their language and social skills as well. There are many abilities of exploring and learning for children. If one searches for a fun activity with family, finger paint is always a good choice. Even grand parents or aunties and uncles for visit can be envolved. They too can have a creative fun time with the children and enjoy the play with colours. Finger colours are non-toxic and available with ingredients from plants. They can be even selfmade from natural household products.
How to make your own natural finger paint with ingredients from plants:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white flour/corn flour
– 1 cup warm water (If you use corn flour you need cold and hot water 1:4/5)
– Food colouring (for example Natural Food Colours by BIOVEGAN or curcuma, spirulina, beetroot or blueberry powder)
Instruction:
Mix the flour and water. Use a wisk to avoid lumps.
Than divide the flour-water-mixture. Pour the mixture into bowls, jars or containers of your choice. (In the case you prepare it without children by using hot water, ensure you have a heat proofed container.)
Now you can add food colour to each container. Around 3 drops of food colour should be enough otherwise there is the risk of staining little fingers. But nothing to worry about, at one point finger paint always washes off.
Hints:
To use a waterproofed splat mat and to choose the bathroom as place of art supports a routinized and fast cleaning. Furthermore the little artist can have a shower or bath directly after his/her art work, if needed.
Art with finger paint can be also a wonderful outdoor activity which minimizes a messy home.
Some of the older children even like to help with cleaning.
To support the independents of the children one can keep a little bucket of water and a cloth next so they can clean their hands, arms, feet etc. by themselves.
Toddlers can be undressed down to their diapers to enjoy fully the colours. In summer body paint in swimsuit offers itself for all family members who want a diffrent colour fun experience.
If you use only warm water for the mixture, older children can help and gain further experiences in exploring the world. Let them prepair the colours: They can follow the recipe and get active in mixing, stirring and combining materials.
It is also lovley to have a walk with the children beforehand and collect natural items given by nature. Afterwards you can put some dollops of paint on a paper plate/small tray and let the children use the objects you found to paint on a big piece of construction paper
One can air dry the the masterpieces in a sunny spot.
Stored in a air-tight container, selfmade finger paint keeps for maximum a week in the fridge. When you want to use it again add water and give it a good stir.
Enjoy you family time!
