A fun sensory play activity, fingerpainting is a great way to build fine motor skills, stimulate senses, encourage self-expression and unleash creativity.
Unfortunately, a majority of the paints available at craft stores aren’t the safest for little ones. Their sensitive skin deserves better! This clean, non-edible fingerpaint recipe is made with two simple ingredients: lotion + vibrant superfood powders. It’s ideal for toddler-age children (as long as they’re past the “put-everything-in-my-mouth” stage) and older.
Tips for creating homemade finger paint
For the base of this recipe, we like Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion. Formulated for sensitive skin, it’s unscented and contains organic calendula, rooibos and organic oils and free of artificial preservatives. It’s rich, silky texture makes for a perfect mixing medium to create finger paint.
If you’ve got one, a mini or regular muffin tin works nicely to mix all the colors individually. The empty wells are the perfect spots for your kiddos to combine colors to make new ones. Instant painter’s palette!
The colors wash off the skin easily (even the golden-yellow turmeric paint)—can’t say the same about clothing. Strip ‘em down to a diaper if applicable, or make sure they’re wearing their crafting clothes.
We chose earthier colors, but any vibrant superfood powder will do: spirulina, turmeric, beetroot, hibiscus, blue butterfly pea powder, etc.).
Ready for some clean, messy fun? Let’s get started!
Homemade Finger Paint for Kids
Ingredients
Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion
Spirulina powder
Blue spirulina powder
Turmeric powder
Beetroot powder
Directions
1. In each muffin well, pump in 10-20 squirts of lotion.
2. Add a small scoop of powder to each one (use more powder for toned-down hues, or more powder to create more vibrant hues). Use small spoon to mix until smooth—removing any lumps).
3. Put out some paper and let the kids explore their creativity!
Optional: Display artwork on refrigerator or in their play space so they can admire their masterpieces!