Rainy days and long afternoons often call for a reliable list of fun activities to keep kids entertained. Making homemade finger paint should definitely be on that list. You can whip up this easy version using just two ingredients, and the best part is, it’s completely edible and non-toxic—even if the little ones decide to have a taste!
I usually go the homemade route when I feel like getting crafty or want to avoid the chemical-laden store options. For this reason, I also choose to make my own beeswax candles instead of buying those with artificial fragrances. When it comes to store-bought finger paints, the ingredients are proprietary, meaning they don’t have to list everything that’s in them. While they might be labeled as non-toxic, that doesn’t guarantee they’re natural or edible. This homemade finger paint is made from real food ingredients, so if kids get curious and taste a bit, it’s perfectly safe.
Many DIY finger paint recipes require cooking flour or cornstarch with water, but this can be problematic for those with gluten allergies, and cornstarch is often genetically modified. This recipe, instead, uses yogurt and edible food coloring, which eliminates the need for cooking altogether.
There are many ways to naturally color your finger paint depending on what you have available. The lifespan of the finger paint depends on your ingredients. If you use fresh yogurt and premade food coloring, it can last several weeks in the fridge. However, if you use homemade food coloring, expect it to last closer to one week.
When using the paint, only take out a little at a time and keep the rest stored in the fridge. This will help prevent the mixture from spoiling quickly due to bacteria introduced from hands and fingers. So, which edible food colors are you thinking of trying?
