Homemade Decorations
Use these recipes to make decorative materials for use in various arts and crafts projects.
By: Trish Kuffner, author of The Toddler's Busy Book
Homemade Decorations
Use the following recipes to make decorative materials for use in various art and craft projects.
Colorful Creative Salt
Materials
- 1/2 cup salt
- 5-6 drops food coloring
- Microwave and microwave-safe container or wax paper
Directions
- Add food coloring to salt and stir well.
- Cook in microwave 1-2 minutes or spread on wax paper and let dry.
- Store in airtight container. Use as glitter.
Pasta Dye
Materials
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
- Food coloring
- Dry pasta
- Newspaper
- Wax paper
Directions
- Mix alcohol and food coloring in a bowl.
- Add small amounts of dry pasta to the liquid and gently mix. The larger the pasta, the longer it will take to absorb the color.
- Dry on newspapers covered with wax paper.
- Remind your child that pasta dyed with this recipe is not for eating; it's only for art projects!
Egg Dye
Materials
- Small bowls or cups
- 1/4 teaspoon food coloring per container
- 3/4 cup hot water per container
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar per container
Directions
- Measure all liquids into bowl or cup and mix. Use a different color in each container.
- Soak eggs in dye until they reach the desired shades.
Ornamental Frosting
Materials
- 3 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Bowl
- Eggbeater
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups), sifted
- Damp cloth
Directions
- Beat egg whites with cream of tartar in bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Add sugar and continue beating until mixture is thick and holds its shape.
- Cover bowl with damp cloth when not in use. This frosting can be made from several hours to a day before use. It makes a great glue for gingerbread houses and other edible works of art.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.