finger painting 101

Today, I tried something new with/for Kyalo -- homemade finger paint.  This has been something tucked in the back of my mind as a possible activity, but it has taken a while to make it a reality.  I need more activities to fill our days (especially the seemingly never ending afternoon hours).  I found a recipe online (here) and went for it. Of course, this recipe calls for all organic ingredients and natural food coloring, none of which I had. Oh well. Another time.

It started out simple enough. . .a mat on the floor, the paint, a cereal box. . . but I quickly realized that pants were entirely unnecessary.  {There's clearly a learning curve in motherhood.}

Kyalo seemed to really enjoy it!  It kept him busy (and quiet!!!) for about 30 minutes - which is about the most I get from anything.  At the end, he kept saying, "Pwease" and patting the mat, meaning he wanted me in on the action too.  Hard to resist.

The recipe said to boil the mixture until it reached "paint consistency."  Well, since I bet I haven't used finger paint since I was about six years old, that was a total guess on my part.  I don't think it mattered too much to Kyalo, though.  He had such a good time smooshing it between his fingers. . .

and his hair. . .

and his waist. . .

and just about everywhere!

Let me show you what multiple handfuls of colored cornstarch looks like in the hair, up close...

 

In case you're wondering, red+blue+green+yellow=brown/grey grossness.  

Obviously, this activity necessitated a bath!  Perhaps in the future it will be an outside activity.  Still, we both had a good time.  I was glad to give him something new to do today.  I'm looking for other (cheap, easy, etc) ideas, so bring 'em on.

 

Apparently, finger painting + a bath + a quick trip to the library = exhaustion, because Kyalo slept almost three hours this afternoon.  Which is great.  Of course, next Saturday, when Dexter has to be at school all day, do you think that will happen?

Me either.