We love experimenting with candy. In the past we’ve shared about our fun and learning with marshmallows, chocolate kisses, and candy hearts. Lately we’ve been having a little fun with Pixy Stix. While playing a bit we discovered that they make a really pretty homemade paint, and it’s super easy to make!
To make the paint simply pour the Pixy Stix into a container and add a bit of warm water. Grab your Pixy Stix at the Dollar Tree and you can make a bunch of scented paint for a dollar!
You can experiment to find the consistency and color you prefer. For each color of paint pictured below we used three Pixy Stix and about one tablespoon of water. If the paint is too thick, add a little more water. If it is too thin and runny, add another Pixy stick. You could even let the kids experiment with adding different amounts of water to see how the paint works differently. Measure the water to add a little math and compare the results to make this a science experiment, too!
Stir a bit to help the sugar dissolve some. It won’t dissolve completely, and leaving just a bit in there help leave a sparkly shimmer to your painted projects.
After you’ve got your paint, don’t forget to smell it! We loved smell the different kinds.
I found that using the paint right away gives the best results. The paint glides on smoothly and the finished painting are smooth with a bit of shimmer. However, on the day we did the paintings shown below we waited a while after making the paint. The girls were engaged in another project that they were enjoying, so our paint sat a little longer than I’d recommend. Either way it still worked well, but the finished pictures are a bit different depending on how long the paint sits.
Tinker enjoyed experimenting with the different colors and mixing the paint a bit. This is her finished piece.
Lovey created a picture of Rapunzel with her very long hair.
Once the pictures are dry the have a rough texture to them that the girls enjoyed feeling.
So for a dollar we were able to do a bit of a science experiment and create some wonderful art! I’d say that was a dollar well spent.
Happy Creating!
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nicole
Hey if they eat the paint At least you know what they are putting in their mouth
Jill
This is a fun idea! We like to experiment with candy too…okay we want to experiment with candy, but we can’t stop ourselves from eating it first.
Thank you for stopping by the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop this week. We hope to see you drop by our neck of the woods next week!
Rachel Hope
Now I have a way to get rid of some of the pixy sticks that my wonderful Sister-in-law decided to give my 5 & 2 year olds that doesn’t involve them eating the darn things.
Shaunna Evans
Ha! Yep, you can put them to good use. 🙂
Sara
That looks like fun, especially for my preschooler who loves to paint. I can’t wait to try painting with Pixy Stix. 🙂 I bet my 3yo drinks the paint though, lol.
Shaunna Evans
Oh, that’s a possibility, but nobody here has tried it so far. 🙂
Joanna
Hey – I’m dropping by from the TGIF Linky Party. My kids would love this! Thanks for the great idea!
Sue Lively
Love this idea! Going to get some today for my 2.5 year old! He loves painting, and it’s nice to have a new idea to try!
Shaunna Evans
I hope your little guy had fun, Sue!
Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest
What fun, Shaunna! We’re off to the dollar store today so we’ll have to pick up some Pixy Stix and give this a try. I’ll just have to convince Peanut that the Pixy Stix are a craft supply and not candy! 😉