3 homemade craft products for kids

Keep the kids entertained with these easy craft products — who knows, they may just contribute to their next Picasso-esque masterpiece.

• If you have a child who is old enough for simple woodworking projects, or for painting precut blocks and plaques, you'll want to try this recipe.
• It gives you brightly coloured, safe stains that cost pennies compared to a few dollars for a name-brand counterpart.

• 75 ml (1/3 c) powdered tempera paint
• 250 ml (1 c) water
• Wide-mouthed quart jar
• Paintbrush
• Nontoxic spray or brush-on, water-based varnish

1. Pour powdered paint into jar. Add water, screw on cap and shake to mix.

2. Apply to wood with a paintbrush and allow the project to dry overnight.

3. Paint details and allow to dry overnight. Varnish with a water-based, nontoxic varnish, according to package directions, to preserve the colour and add an attractive glossy surface. Dry as directed before using.

• Flour paste is a time-honoured favourite for paper crafts like making decorations and doing papier-mâché.
• It is easy and cheap to make at home.

• 1 L (4 c) water
• 40 ml (1/4 c) salt
• 375 ml (1 1/2 c) white flour (more or less as needed)

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil, and then remove from heat.

2. Stir in salt and add flour a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumping, until the mixture reaches the consistency of very thick gravy. Cool and use.

3. Store leftover paste in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Discard paste if mold forms or it smells spoiled.

Use this traditional homemade recipe to make durable glue for repairing broken pieces of crockery or china.

• 7 ml (1 1/2 tsp) glycerin
• 22 ml (4 1/2 tsp) gum arabic
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) water
• Rubber bands (optional)
• Duct tape (optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix glycerin, gum arabic and water thoroughly and store in a small, sealed bottle.

2. Coat both sides of the surfaces to be glued with the mixture and clamp them together with strong rubber bands or duct tape until glue dries (about one hour).Wash mended objects carefully by hand; do not place mended pieces in a dishwasher or oven.