Homemade Scented Gel Paints

I found this idea linked on a blog called Scribbit, who found it on a blog called In A Nutshell (and that, my friends, is why I love blogland!)

My girls thought it was great fun to make these, and I loved how fast, easy and cheap it was!  Think about how much gel paint costs, just for those itty bitty bottles!  This made quite a bit of paint. Oh, I just got an idea…how about mixing some glitter into these?  Star shaped glitter into the blue? Now that would be special–scented and glittery!
I think these would make a great little gift, each jar tied with a bow, set in a basket with paint brushes, stencils and a pad of paper.  Too cute..

Scented Gel Paints
1/2 c. Cornstarch
21/4 c. Cold Water
Food Coloring (we used the new “neon” colors by McCormick)
Flavoring extracts (we used vanilla, almond, peppermint and maple)
4 Small Heat Proof Jars (preferably little wide mouth Mason Jars)

Add cornstarch to a medium sized sauce pan.  Whisk in water and turn heat to high.  Whisk constantly being sure to get into the corners.  When all the paint base has come to a gel like consistency, immediately remove from heat. (this happens very quickly once it is hot, watch carefully.  Ours were almost too thick because I did not take it off the heat quickly enough).  Let cool a couple of minutes, then divide evenly into 4 heat proof jars, being careful as it is still hot!

Now is the time to add your food coloring (I used 5 drops of McCormick Neon! colors in each jar.
Add 1/8 tsp of your flavoring extract of choice to each jar.  Mix vigorously with a spoon until your paints are evenly colored.

*These paints will stain, so keep child’s clothes and work surfaces covered.
Enjoy!