Liquid sidewalk chalk

Today was a beautiful day. We all just returned from holidays, so we have been organizing, and getting back in the swing of things. With that, comes fights and a feeling of confinement with the kids- so we had to get out! I had some of the kids bugging me for a craft, and some bugging me to go outside- SO...we combined them!

How much fun is sidewalk chalk? TONS! And how much fun is painting? TONS! So, why not mix them! I pulled out the painting supplies, a bowl, measuring cup, corn starch, and food colouring! Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of corn starch. You can make more- just make the amount you want with equal amounts of water and corn starch. This amount made enough to keep the 4 kids busy for over an hour. That was with 4 colours too, so if you want/need more you might need to make more.

After you mix the water and corn starch, pour into separate containers or paint pots- one for each colour. Then add FOOD COLOURING. I used the neon type and it was GREAT. Then we headed outside!

The kids each got one "canvas"- which was a sidewalk block! This was their paper. (Note- the paint did all of our blocks- 6 and a bit, plus some of the path, on a tree, drain spout, and part of our wagon! Just to give you an idea of how much it makes.)

 (they had to stop to check on the neighbours cat who was "stuck" in the tree)

They had a great time painting the sidewalk! They stayed for a long time, then played, and came back, and then even took the paint to other area's in front of the house!

Icicles

So, I can't take the credit for this craft. I saw it on pinterest, and just had to do it with the kids. 

First we got our popsicle makers out from the cupboard, where they spend their winter. (make sure you have a stand or something for them, and room in the freezer, because you don't put the "lids" on them).

And then we put a few drops of food colouring in each one. You could colour mix too- but we kept it simple today. 

After that, we added some water to each one. Then took a piece of string, folded it in half and put the mid section in the water- leaving the ends out. 

Then, we put them in the freezer. 

Tomorrow morning when we get up, we will take them out. Tie the strings, and then hang them from the tree in the front yard. Then, as the weather warms up, we can watch them melt, and leave the colours on the snow in the yard!