Make Corn Syrup Art

Corn syrup isn't just for cooking—you can paint with it, too! Here's a finger painting activity for your preschooler that combines pantry basics like corn syrup and food coloring to create bright, colorful works of art. Help your child practice color recognition as she swirls the paint around the cardboard. For a more in-depth color lesson, talk to her about the color wheel and show her how primary colors combine to create other colors.

What You Need:

• Matte board or cardboard
• Food coloring in various colors (try using primary colors)
• Light corn syrup
• Paint aprons
• Craft sticks or spoons

What You Do:

1. Pour a small puddle of corn syrup on the matte board or cardboard. Spread it out towards the edges with a craft stick or spoon.
2. Scatter a few drops of food coloring on the corn syrup.
3. Have your child blend the colors in with her fingers.
4. Let the artwork dry for several days. At the end you'll have a bright, shiny, rainbow colored design.

For a fun twist, try making artwork with a seasonal or holiday theme: make an egg-shaped painting for spring, a leaf-shaped painting for fall, or a pine tree painting for the holiday season.