Craft supplies you can make at home

You're beating summer boredom with tons of crafts for kids, but when you whip up your own craft supplies at home, you won't have to run through your summer fun budget too! From learning how to make your own playdough to finding tried-and-true finger paint recipes, your kids will not only love creating their own masterpieces when you're done, they'll love helping to prepare these crafts supplies you can make at home!

Because you don't have to prep this recipe on the stove, little kids and big kids alike can happily pitch in with this playdough recipe.

Materials:

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix water, salt and oil with a spoon; when crafting up a whole batch in a single shade, you may opt to mix in the food coloring at this point as well.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour and cornstarch and then add slowly to water mixture until the consistency of bread dough, adding additional flour if needed. Once dough begins to firm up, you'll likely need to knead it with your hands.
3. Add in color as needed when separating one batch into multiple hues, however, be warned that mixing in food coloring at this point can be a bit messier, but washable.
4. Store in a reclosable bag or covered, as playdough dries out quickly.

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"I recently introduced my son to finger painting and being an eco-conscious mom, I wanted to use an organic finger paint," shares Kelly Bejelly, freelance writer, product reviewer and frugalista at www.agirlworthsaving.net. "After checking prices and finding most kits sold for $35 and more, I decided to make the paints then from scratch. Using water, cornstarch and assorted produce — beets, spinach, and blueberries — I was able to create edible finger paints at a fraction of the cost."

Materials:

Directions:

1. Combine cornstarch and water in a saucepan over medium heat, but stay close; the ingredients will heat up quicker than you think.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened.
3. Lower heat and continue to stir until smooth; you can use a whisk if need be, but most lumps can be creamed by pressing them against the side of the saucepan while mixing.
4. Remove from heat and separate cooled concoction into separate bowls or containers, such as emptied and cleaned baby food jars; dye each a different color.

Next up: Find out how to make moon sand >>

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Although most moms can attest that they aren't moon sand's biggest fans, kids love this moldable play sand more than the old-school stuff you'll find on the playground.

Materials:

Directions:

1. Combine play sand and cornstarch in a bowl and mix well with your hands.
2. Add water and combine, adding additional water in small amounts as needed until desired consistency is reached; but be cautious not to add too much or you'll end up with a soupy mess.
3. Store in airtight container and add a tablespoon or two of water before playing when homemade moon sand begins to dry out a bit.
4. Tip: The most vital ingredient in this moon sand recipe is the play sand; using gritty sandbox sand won't mix like the fine craft-grade kind you can pick up in most craft stores and toy stores.

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When it comes to crafts, you'll almost always need glue, so instead of heading to the store for this sticky stuff, head to your kitchen and mix up a batch that's even OK — but not tasty — to eat.

Materials:

Directions:

1. Combine flour and sugar into a bowl and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix water and vinegar; combine both in saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir mixture with whisk until warm and becomes a smooth, thick consistency, but avoid boiling; the homemade fusion will thicken upon standing.
4. Remove from heat and cool before transferring to container.

Source: Eco Child's Play

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