1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 1/2 cups cold water
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup soap flakes
2 drops of icing color paste (available at craft and baking supply stores).

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the water and mix until dissolved. Combine the cornstarch, soap flakes, and remaining 2 cups water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the gelatin mixture to the saucepan, stirring until it becomes thick. Remove the pan from the heat and strain the mixture equally into 4 containers. Cool 1 hour and then add a different shade of icing color paste to each container. Fold in color until thoroughly mixed.
NOTE: undiluted color paste will stain hands and clothing. Store in refrigerator when not in use.

Brilliant Finger Paint (Index)

1 cup vano starch
1 cup cold water
3 cups boiling water
1 cup Ivory flakes
1 T. powdered tempera

Mix starch and cold water until smooth. Add boiling water and simmer, stirring constantly until thick and glossy.  Add soap flakes and tempera, and beat with a wire whisk until smooth.
 

Easy Finger Paint (Index)

3 cups Vano starch
1/2 cup Sta-Flo liquid starch

Mix together. This mixture will need to dry slightly before it is pliable. Store in airtight container.

Another Easy Finger Paint Recipe (Index)

liquid starch
water
1 t. powdered tempera paint

Pour a small amount of liquid starch on piece of paper. Sprinkle a teaspoon of paint into starch. Add water as needed, mixing with hands while painting.

Shiny Paint  (Index)
1 part white liquid glue
1 part tempera paint

Mix ingredients.  Apply with a brush or experiment with other methods!  Shiny paint gives a wet look!

Egg Foam Paint (Index)

egg whites
shredded soap
tempera paint

Beat egg whites and soap in a large bowl until stiff. Divide mixture into several smaller bowls. Beat powdered tempera into each egg mixture. Drop one or more colors onto pieces of construction paper. Use brushes, fingers, or tools to create an interesting designs and textures 

Invisible Paint (Index)

4 tablespoons baking soda
water
purple grape juice

Mix baking soda and water. Dip paint brush into water mixture and paint a design onto white paper. Let dry. Next, brush grape juice over the paper to reveal the design. The picture mysteriously appears in blue-green colors.
 

Washable Finger Paint (Index)

1 cup All-PurposeFlour
1 cup Cold Water
3 cups Cold Water
Food Coloring

In large saucepan mix the flour with the 1 cup cold water. Stir until smooth. Then add the 3 cups cold water. Cook over medium heat, stirring till mixture thickens and bubbles. Reduce heat and simmer 1minute more while still stirring. Divide into three heat resistant bowls. Tint with food coloring. Cover and cool.

Washable Window Paint (Index)

Tempera Paints (powdered or premixed)
Clear Dishwasing Liquid

Mix powdered paint with dish soap until they resemble house paint.  Or mix just a little dish soap into premixed paints. Line the window sash with masking tape and be sure to spread newspaper around to protect the area. To erase paint or touch up mistakes just wipe paint away with a dry paper towel.
 

Whipped Soap Paint (Index)

1 cup Ivory Snow Powder
1/2 cup warm water
Construction paper (dark colors)
Brushes, tongue depressors

Have children beat with eggbeaters until mixture is frothy but not stiff. Then apply mixture to dark construction paper with brushes or tongue depressors to create a design.  You can even use this as finger paint (easy clean up). You can also add food coloring to whipped flakes. 

Straw Painting (Index)

10 drops food coloring
1 teaspoon water
For thicker paint add 1/2 tsp liquid dish detergent
eye dropper or spoon
straws
paper for painting

Mix in plastic dish (as many colors as you like). Cover work area with newspapers then have the children use the eye dropper or spoon to place on white paper and use straw to blow on the drops to make unusual designs.

(tip* Save the droppers from infant tylenol/vitamins/cold meds etc...to use for these types of projects) 
 

Puffy Paints (Index)

Equal parts of flour, salt and water
bowl, spoon
liquid tempera paint to desired color]
cardboard squares or heavy paper
plastic sqeeze bottle such as mustard or ketchup bottles

Mix equal parts of flour, salt and water in bowl. Add liquid paint for color. Pour into plastic squeeze bottles. Squeeze mixture onto cardboard or heavy paper. Mixture will harden in a puffy shape. Colors will pool together without mixing. Allow experimentation in design and pattern. 

Milk Paint (Index)

1/2 cup powdered milk
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 cup warm water
food coloring
Mix milk and cornstarch.  Gradually stir in water and continue stirring until smooth. Add food coloring. 

Homemade Watercolors (Index)

1 Tbsp White vinegar
2 Tbsp baking soda
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp glycerin
liquid food coloring
Mix vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl. When done bubbling, add cornstarch and glycerin.  Mix well. Pour into bottle caps and add a different color food coloring to each one. Let dry overnight.

Face Paints (Index)

6 tsp Corn starch 
3 tsp Water 
3 tsp Cold cream 
Food coloring 
6 cup Muffin tin 

In each cup of the muffin tin, put 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon each of cold cream and water. Add a different color food coloring to each cup. Mix well. 

Body Paints (Index)

2 cup Non-irritating baby shampoo 
Powdered tempura paints 

Divide the shampoo into two or more portions (depending on how many different colors you want).    Stir in tempura paint. Children can smooth this onto their bodies, lathering to make shapes and designs. Comes off easily by running through the sprinklers or showering.