Monday, July 2, 2012

Day 2- Homemade Watercolors


Do you do art with your kids?

Usually when my daughter asks to paint or color, I get out the supplies for her and leave her to it. However, while I am not the least bit artistic, I do enjoy piddling with art supplies.

When I bought some watercolors a few weeks ago at the Dollar General, they didn't work. No matter how much water I added to them, paint they would not. The kids and I were very frustrated because we'd had our minds set on watercolors.


Well, I found this recipe for homemade watercolors and figured it wouldn't hurt to try it out. The ingredients include items you generally have on hand--baking soda, white vinegar, cornstarch, corn syrup, and food coloring, and it is super simple to make. Plus, you can reuse them just like watercolors you buy at the store {except the ones at Dollar General}.

I really didn't expect these watercolors to work very well either, but the girls and I were very pleasantly surprised.



We are "rowing" My Blue Boat by Christopher L. Demarest this week, so I thought it'd be fun to paint some sailboats to go along with the water colored boat in the book.



Check out our sailboats:

 Cora's

 Kate's

 Mama's

We painted some more in the heat of the afternoon. Here are our masterpieces:

Cora's Pollack-esque piece


Kate's "Puppets on a Slide"


Mama's "Boat on Grassy Water"


Yeah, so I could use a few more lessons from Bob Ross.

I have to say that painting with homemade watercolors was a blast! I'm glad that we still have some left over so we can paint some more tomorrow.

Do you like to watercolor? Ever made your own?

I hope you're playing along with us during our "31 Days of Play" challenge.


Keri

 
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17 comments:

  1. this is such a great idea. i definitely need to make some paint for my daughter.

    also thanks for stopping by my blog. i've spoken to so many people whose babies are going through leaps right now. (mine included) hopefully it will go by fast and she will be back to herself soon. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And the good thing is that it's cheap and simple to make, too.

      You're welcome. God led me to your post because I was wracking my brains as to what was going on with her, and now that I know, I know what to do.

      Blessings to you!

      Delete
  2. Thanks for dropping by! I loved your post, we've made our own watercolors before! It's so much fun to do things like this with our children- such great memories!

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome.

      I think when we take the time to slow down and create together that's when we make the lasting memories. Thanks for your comments!

      Delete
  3. Beautiful!
    It has never occurred to me to make our own watercolor paints - will definitely be trying this as a too-hot-to-play-outdoors activity. Thank you for the inspiration.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks!

      Part of the reason I chose this indoor activity is because we are experiencing record high temps. It made for a nice lazy day at the kitchen table.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. What a great idea! I love being creative with my babes. I will definitely do this with them. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Love this! I can't wait for my baby to get excited about art supplies, bath toys, and Playdough (my kiddy toy faves.) This is a great way to save $$ and always have paint on hand. Thank you so much for sharing this with me at {Monday}Mom Musings.

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    Replies
    1. You are welcome! I am always eager to find fun, cheap art supplies for my kiddos.

      I love your blog and am a new follower.

      Delete
  6. how fun! i love to paint with my little gal so i will have to try making my own watercolors! what a fun activity and i just love your boats :) have a happy monday!

    xo, amanda

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! We had fun painting them. I think I've found a new favorite art project for all of us, including Mama!

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  7. Hi, coming over from the Jellibean journals! Those ARE masterpieces! :))

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  8. Oh cute! I'm glad that was fun. I'm a new follower from a blog hop and would love if you stopped by and followed me

    Elise
    www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. That is so cool! I am starting a new series with books and projects. I love reading and doing projects with the kids. Newest follower from Jellibean Journals.
    Please return the follow when you can ;) I am also hosting Mom's Monday Mingle. Love for you to link up.

    www.thenaptimereview.com

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  10. How neat! Thanks for sharing this. :)

    ReplyDelete