toddler craft

Shaving cream finger paints

Some days a little longer than others.....So what do you do after colouring, playdough and snack time has worn thin?

Improvise!

Make finger paints with shaving cream for fun activity.

 

You will need:

- shaving cream
- wax paper or a baking sheet
- tempera paints or food colouring

Simply setup your canvas, either wax paper or a baking sheet. Spray shaving cream in a few different piles. Add a different color to each pile of shaving cream. Paint away.

This one smells great and is easy to clean up! Thanks to Cathy from momstown Edmonton South for submitting this idea.

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Canvas Art

canvas art painting kids

At momstown we regularly have big fingerpainting events called "Picassos in the Park" on long mural paper which is super fun. Sometimes moms cut out their creations to bring home but with a mini canvas you can actually display your child's art.

The idea is still free-form art, don't pigeon hole your 'artiste' but allow him/her to fingerpaint, use brushes whatever they choose to decorate their own canvas. Provide lots of colour choices too.

Supplies:

  • Mini canvas (craft or dollar stores sell them inexpensively)
  • Brushes, fingers, sponges...
  • Paint! (tempra is good & washable)

Voila - instant art! Hang in your house to support their creativity!

momstown Calgary North did canvas art at a recent event, read their blog here for more pictures of their fun painting day.

canvas art painting kids

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Scented Playdough recipe - microwave

Awesome microwave recipe for playdough!

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 packages of single serve kool-aid (whatever flavour - gives the colour and a nice smell)
  • 4 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespooons oil

Mix all ingredients together in microwavable bowl, microwave on high - stir after each minute until it becomes more difficult to stir, then turn out onto side and knead for a couple of minutes (very good stress relief!)to get the right consistency.

I just made a batch today -came out quite well, not sure how long it will last yet!

Shared by a crafty momstown Burlington mom

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Playdough Recipe - stovetop

playdough 3

Everyone loves playdough! Why not make it at home?

Major tip: buy ingredients (especially cream of tartar) at Bulk Barn, wayyyy cheaper than the grocery store.  Here's the recipe I use most often:

Single Serve Recipe

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • food colouring if desired (add slowly to achieve desired tint)
  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup flour (white - whole wheat makes lumpy gritty dough).

Combine water, salt and cream of tartar in a saucepan.  Cook on low heat, stir with a wooden spoon.  Stir in the oil, then the flour.  Keep stirring until the mixture starts looking dry and pulling away from the sides of the pan.  Remove the pan from the heat at this point.  Pinch a piece between two fingers.  If it is not sticky, it is done.  Place the dough on the counter and knead until smooth.  Careful, it's HOT! at first.  Add colour at any point in this process, or later.  

Giant Recipe: Increase the quantities, it works just as well.

  • 5 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups salt
  • 3 Tablespoons cream of tartar
  • Food colouring if desired (1 tsp to 2 Tbsp)
  • 10 Tablespoons oil 
  • 5 cups flour

Prepare as above.

I often make the giant batch and divide it up to make a zillion different colours.  It keeps very well in a sealed ziploc bag in the fridge or container. You can also add glitter, scents (cinnamon, vanilla), etc. after the dough has cooled.

Shared by a crafty momstown Burlington mom

Some of our momstown chapters have Playdough & Popcorn parties! fun fun!

playdough 2

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Body Painting!

The fun part of summer is MESSY creativity! Let your child go nuts outside with the paint! And just hose them off or send them through the sprinker to clean up!

toddler body painting 1

You can use a variety of "mediums"

  • Non-toxic Paint
  • Shaving Cream
  • Ice Cream! (a little chilly maybe?)
  • Chocolate Pudding (good for those who can’t keep stuff out of their mouths)

Have fun and let us know how it goes (this is where the comments can be super fun!)!

 

 

 

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