How to make these Food Coloring Watercolor Placemats

Looking for a fun family craft? Want to add a spark of creativity and splash of color to mealtime? Let the whole family show off their artistic side by painting their own homemade watercolor placemats.

Difficulty: Easy

Materials

• Watercolor paper
• Ice cube tray
• Liquid food coloring
• Water
• Paintbrushes

Directions

1. Pour water into each section of your ice cube tray, then add a drop or two of food coloring and stir. For pastel colors, use only a little food coloring. For deeper, bolder colors, add a few more drops.

2. Apply your homemade watercolor paint to the paper using a small, wet brush in the shape or design of your choosing.

3. To achieve a watercolor effect, dip your brush in water to dilute the color.

4. Let dry completely before using as placemats for your family meal.

Tip

• You can use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting to help dry your painting faster.
• Don’t worry if you don’t like the way your first placemat turned out. You can always apply more paint and water to the same design to paint over it, adding more layers and colors.