Top 3 CRAFTivities » Toddler Favorites
We love to craft in this house. It's a great way for kids to express themselves and it encourages creativity and brain development, not to mention that it's so much fun! I have a toddler and a one-year-old, and we craft at least once daily.
Finding age appropriate activities for toddlers can be a task, but these are great crafts, or "experiments", for all toddlers.
Make Puff Paint
All you need to make puff paint is:
2 cups of flour
2 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. baking soda
About 2 cups of water (until it thickens but isn't clumpy)
Food coloring (I like to use this gel)
(optional) Squeezie bottles (like these) or jars to store paints
How to prepare the puff paint:
Mix your dry ingredients together first (flour, baking soda and salt), then gradually pour in the water. When you reach the desired consistency, divide equally and add in your food coloring, or coloring gels.
Make Playdough
(***no cream of tarter? click here for my next favorite recipe!)
All you need to make the playdough:
3 Tbs. cream of tartar (powder found on spices aisle)--alternate recipe found here
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
Food coloring (I like to use these neon gels)
2 Tbs oil (I use canola, but any liquid oil will work)
2 cups Water (make sure it's boiling) **tip: fill 2 cup glass measuring cup with water and put it in the microwave until it starts to bubble (about 2 minutes for me)
How to prepare the playdough:
Mix the cream of tarter, flour and salt together. Next, you'll add in the oil and water you just boiled (you don't have to mix the two together). This is when you get a heavy duty spoon or fork out to start forming your playdough. Within about a minute you will reach the desired consistency, and I like the add in the food coloring while it's still warm, so work quickly! Divide the playdough into 5 equal parts and mix in food coloring in separate bowls. Tip: the food coloring can get messy while it's still warm so i usually put plastic shopping bags around my hands for mixing. Let playdough cool, then store in airtight container or zipper bag.
Make Bath Crayons
Ivory Soap Bar (grated)
Cheese grater **can also be done in a food processor
Hot water (2 Tbs for every cup of grated soap)
How to prepare the bath crayons:
Grate your soap bar first either by hand or in your food processor. The finer the grate, the better the crayon! For every 1 cup of grated soap, you'll add about 2 tablespoons of warm water. Be sure to mix together with either a fork or a wooden spoon until it makes a thick paste. Divide the mixture into several small bowls and add in your coloring. Spoon the mixture into the silicone molds, and allow to completely dry until they are firm-- I recommend either waiting a day, or popping them in the freezer. Then they're ready to use!
