How to Make 3D Glitter Paint

Art projects are a great way to keep kids engaged during a long summer vacation. However, the cost of art supplies can quickly spiral out of control, especially if you have multiple artists in training. One solution to this problem is to make your own art supplies with inexpensive household items.

Don't worry this is easier than it sounds. I cooked up the following recipe for glittering 3-D paint on a day when both my money and patience were in short supply.

You will need the following implements to prepare the glittering 3-D paint: 1 mixing bowl large enough to hold four cups of liquid; 1 large wooden or plastic spoon; Measuring cup. Optional implements: small squeeze bottles or popsicle sticks for applying the paint otherwise use small 4 oz. jars and apply the finished paint with paint brushes.

You will need the following ingredients to prepare the 3-D paint: 1 cup salt; 1/2 to 3/4 cups water; 1 cup all-purpose flour; red, yellow and blue food coloring.

Begin making the recipe by mixing the one cup of salt and the one cup of flour together in the mixing bowl. Make sure to stir it well to break up any clumps in the flour.

Once you have blended the salt and flour together add 1/2 cup of water to the mix. Stir the mixture well taking care to break up any clumps that form; stir mix until it is uniform.

Next slowly add more of the remaining 1/4 cup of water, adding only a small amount at a time while stirring. Once the mixture looks like a thick shake, stop adding water and stir it a few more times.

Separate the mixture into several small jars or bottles; use one container for each color paint that you plan to make. For the red, blue and yellow paint you can add the food coloring directly to the mix. Start out with 6 to 7 drops of color and then stir the paint a few times. If the color isn't as bold or bright as you would like add a few more drops and then stir the mixture again. Repeat this process until the paint reaches the color you desire.

For color blends such as purple, green or orange follow the directions on the food coloring package and mix each of the colors in a separate container. After you have mixed the colors in a separate container you can add them to the paint jars just as you did with the red, blue and yellow colorant; this will ensure uniform color.

After you have added color to the paint you can add glitter if you wish. I use roughly 1/4 teaspoon of fine glitter for every one ounce of paint and then stir the mixture a few times.

Your 3-D paint is now ready to use. Your children can apply the paint with squeeze bottles, brushes, popsicle sticks or even their fingers. Apply the paint thickly to the desired surface and it will dry upraised, adding a third dimension to your child's art work.

For best results keep a lid on the paint jars when they are not in use. You can save time by making large batches of the paint and storing it in the refrigerator; I have successfully stored the 3-D paint in my refrigerator for three days.