Gather the Following Ingredients for each color of paint you plan to make:
Small, shallow container (wide-mouth baby food jars or other similar-sized containers work well.)
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 box of gelatin mix (any flavor will work, but I recommend unsweetened varieties.)
Spoon or sticks for stirring, one for each container (ice cream sticks or small spoons work well.)
Pour the water into the container, and carefully add the gelatin mix. Stir well until mix is dissolved. The intensity of the colors depends on the amount of food coloring you use. Reserve unused powdered mix for future use.
Place lids on the containers. Scented gelatin paint will thicken over time and eventually become too thick to paint with.
Apply the scented gelatin paint using paintbrushes because gelatin can stain fingers. Paint onto any type of paper, and lay the paper flat until completely dry. Display the artwork at “nose” level to allow your children to enjoy their creation. Artwork will smell fruity for a few days.
Wash hands after use, and have children wear smocks to prevent stains on clothing. Although the ingredients are edible, children should not eat the scented gelatin paint.
Using finger paints as a multi-sensory teaching tool is a great way to introduce color concepts, shapes, alphabet letters, sight words, and free-form artwork. Children can add details using markers and crayons, which can be used to create fine details. The gelatin works best when used to color large open areas of drawings.