Art supplies are one thing no family with children should be without. Not only do they offer your children a chance to use their creativity and imagination, but they may teaching concepts like math and science more fun. Still, the cost of art supplies can quickly add up.

One way to keep costs at a minimum - and have fun with your kids - is to make your own art supplies. (Homemade art supplies are also a better choice for very young children who might try to eat them!) Here are a few of my favorite art recipes:




Homemade Play Doh (Play Dough)
In a pot, mix 1 cup flour, 1 cup warm water, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar (found in the spice aisle of grocery stores), 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/3 cup salt. Add a few drops of food coloring. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it's smooth. Remove from the pot from the heat and knead the dough until it looks well blended. Store in an airtight container and this will last just as long as store bought play doh.

Homemade Glitter

In a microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of salt and a few drops of food coloring. Stir, then heat in the microwave for about 1 or 2 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

Homemade Finger Paint

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup of water, stirring until the cornstarch dissolves. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cornstarch mixture. Return the pan to the stove and stir constantly until the mixture is thick and clear. It will take about a minute. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then separate the mixture into different bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl.

Homemade Crayons
Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Place baking cups in a muffin pan, then fill each cup with pieces of broken crayons (their paper covers removed). You may either combine colors in one cup, making crayons with a rainbow effect, or you may use only one color per cup. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Remove the muffin pan from the oven and allow it to completely cool. Remove the baking cups from the new crayons before using.


Homemade Paint
Combine 1 cup of condensed milk with a few drops of food coloring. This paint is glossy and bright. You might also try these instructions for home made water colors.

Homemade Modeling Clay
Combine 2 cups of salt and 2/3 cup of water in a saucepan and place over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup of cold water. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired. Mix until smooth, then return to heat and cook until the mixture is thick. Cool completely before using and store in an airtight container.

Spray Chalk
Combine 1/2 cup of water, 4 teaspoons of cornstarch, and a little food coloring in an empty, clean spray bottle. Spray on the sidewalk or paper.