Make Your Own Fun

Here are a couple easy recipes for some fun kid things (Parenting, 3-2005)

SLIME
2 cups white glue (such as Elmer's)
2 cups water
liquid food coloring
1 tsp borax

Pour glue into a mixing bowl. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups of water and several drops of food coloring. In another bowl, dissolve borax in 1/2 cup water. Add dissolved borax to glue mixture. Knead for 10 minutes, until slime separates between your fingers. Let slime condense in airtight container overnight before using. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Tip: knead slime to soften before each use.

SOAP CRAYONS
1 cup unscented soap flakes or a bar of soap, grated
2 Tbls hot water
liquid food coloring

Mix soap and hot water in a plastic bowl, then divide into small bowls, one for each color. Add 12 drops of liquid food coloring to each bowl. Stir mixture until it thickens and becomes hard to stir. Scoop up by the tablespoonful and roll into thick log shapes. Let dry 1-2 days. Tip: short, thick crayons are sturdier than skinny ones.

FINGER PAINTS
2 cups cold water
3 tsp sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 Tbls light corn syrup
liquid food coloring
small bowls or jars with lids

In a small pot, stir water, sugar and cornstarch. Whisk over low heat for 5 minutes until mixture is thick and clear. Stir in corn syrup. Pour paint into small containers with lids. Add a few drops of food coloring to each and shake until color is well mixed. Tip: use think paper for finger painting-it holds up better.