Puffy Paint

     Puffy paint is a lot of fun for kids.  It is easy to make and very cheap.  Kids will love the process of making puffy paint and creating their designs.  It is a perfect indoor activity, especially on a rainy day.There are a variety of recipes which I will show you on the next page, but the most common recipe includes equal parts of salt, water, and flour, and you can color it with food coloring or tempera paint or powder.  If you don't want to bother making it, you can always buy puffy paint at the store. 

    You will also need some squeeze bottles to fill with puffy paint.  These are fairly inexpensive to buy at a craft store.  You can also use old squeeze bottles at home, such as ketchup, mustard, or more.  When the children are painting, encourage them to move the bottle around.  The thicker they make their designs, the longer it will take to dry.  When it dries, it should glitter from the salt crystals.  It is suggested that you do not use regular paper or even construction paper because this paint is heavy and has a tendency to wet the paper.  Using foam core scraps and card stock are two types of paper that you may want to use instead of construction paper or regular white paper.  It may take a little while for your paint to dry.  Remember, with this project much of the fun is in the process of making the design rather than in the finished product.

       Using puffy paint is highly recommended for young children, such as toddlers and pre-schoolers.  It is also often used in special education classrooms where children need more tactile development and this activity is very hands on from the making of the paint to the decorating, to the drying and feeling how it has shape and is raised from the paper.  When the art is complete, let it dry.  It may take one to two days to dry completely.  Don't forget to hang it up in a place of honor in your home.  This will make your child feel that you value his work and he will feel great.

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