Homemade watercolor paints elevate your art supplies like nothing else. If you've enjoyed DIY finger paints, these custom watercolors—made from kitchen basics—deliver rich, customizable colors that glide beautifully onto paper.
Photo by Emily Fazio
Photo by Emily Fazio
Start by mixing baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl. Add vinegar immediately—it reacts with the baking soda—and stir. Slowly incorporate corn syrup until smooth and lump-free.
Photo by Emily Fazio
Portion the mixture into small bowls, one per color.
Photo by Emily Fazio
Add food coloring drops to each. It's a perfect moment to teach kids color-mixing magic.
Photo by Emily Fazio
Stir colors well and spoon into your palette—ice cube trays work great, or grab reusable ones from craft stores. Leave the center empty for water.
Photo by Emily Fazio
My reds didn't mix perfectly—maybe the dye or how red behaves—but it didn't affect the paints at all.
Photo by Emily Fazio
Let them sit undisturbed for several days to harden. Use like store-bought watercolors.
These aren't archival and may fade over time (like many kids' paints). Food coloring makes them fabric-safe too—use carefully and have fun creating!
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