Coloring Macaroni

Posted on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 10:35 PM

It's the middle of Winter.  Okay, I know, you didn't need me to tell you that!  Anyhow, I know it can be hard on the children having to stay indoors so much, so I thought I would share with you something that I used to use with my daycare quite often.  That's the "proper" way to color macaroni....

Take 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part water and mix it with the food coloring of your choice (until you get the desired color).  For example...

1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

1/2 cup water

food coloring--the more drops you use, the darker your macaroni noodles will be

Put the macaroni in the mixture, swish it around until it's all colored, and then strain it out (preferably over a bowl so you can use the mixture again).  Lay the colored macaroni on paper towels to dry.

Now you have colored macaroni for all sorts of projects with your children! 

• String it onto yarn for necklaces and bracelets (the elastic thread is good for making bracelets with).   
• Glue it onto construction paper to make a pretty picture.
• Glue it on hair barettes for a unique hair decoration.
• Glue it on clothespins, glue a magnet on the back, and you have a new magnet to hang pictures on the refrigerator with.
• Glue your colored macaroni on a frame in a mosaic design for a one-of-a-kind frame for your favorite picture.

These are just a few of the ideas.  I'd love to hear of the ways you use this versatile crafting tool.  Just leave me a comment and let me know!

Hugs,Cynthia Robin