TIP TUESDAY: Making Edible Art

If you have toddlers or preschoolers, you know that they love to put almost everything they see into their mouths. It can be unnerving to watch your child eating blue Play-Doh knowing that in the end, you are going to see that again (no pun!). And while many of the tools our children use to create beautiful-only-to-momma art project, we are concerned with what is really in that fingerpaint or molding clay.
Well, today, we're going to look at two things you can make right at home that you know are safe and are actually even safe to eat!

(C) www.loveplayandlearn.com

First, fingerpaint. This was a big, "Oh, duh!" moment for me when I saw this recipe. Simply make a box of vanilla pudding according to the directions on the box and divide into separate bowls based on the number of colors you want your child to have access to. I like the regular food coloring colors of red, blue, green and yellow. Mix in a few drops at a time until you reach the desired color, then refrigerate until set. When ready, just allow the kids to use the pudding as they would fingerpaint on wax paper. If you want to keep the creation either take a photo of it or allow it to dry and spray it with a clear spray sealer.

Next, molding clay. Now a lot of commercial brands claim to be non-toxic, but really it still has some sort of chemicals in it that really aren't all that safe. They won't necessarily do great harm, but you can actually make your own for a lot less.
Recipe:

Oatmeal Playdough

Materials

• 1 part flour
• 1 part water
• 2 parts oatmeal
• Bowl

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl; mix well and knead until smooth.
2. This playdough is not intended to be eaten, but it will not hurt a child who decides to taste it.
3. Store covered in refrigerator.
4. Your child can make this playdough without help; however, it doesn't last as long as cooked playdough.

Read more on FamilyEducation: 
http://fun.familyeducation.com/sculpting/recipes/37040.html#ixzz31V8wteqJ

(C) www.loveplayandlearn.com