How to Make Puffy Paint – With a Fun Candy Twist!
Puffy paint is so simple to make – just three ingredients, and you’re good to go. You can use any food coloring, but if you use just a little bit, you’ll get these soft, pastel-like shades (which is what I did).
And honestly, the fluffy texture totally reminded me of marshmallows – but, you know, don’t eat it (no matter how cute it looks).
That’s how this candy shop craft idea was born. To make it extra fun, I created a free printable with candy shapes, so you can turn your puffy paint into the sweetest pretend treats!
You can find the printable at the end of this post!
What You Need (per cup of color):
- 1/4 cup white school glue
- 1 cup shaving cream (foam, not gel)
- Food coloring (I used regular colors but kept it light for a pastel effect)
- Paper cups, small bowls, or even a cupcake tin (perfect for multiple colors)
- Spoons or spatulas for mixing
Video Tutorial
How to Make Puffy Paint
- Combine Glue and Shaving Cream:
- In a paper cup or small bowl, add 1/4 cup of glue.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of shaving cream. Don’t stir too hard – we want to keep that fluffy texture intact.
- Add Color:
- Add a drop or two of food coloring. Less is more if you’re going for that soft, pastel look.
- Stir until the color is evenly spread.
- Ready to Paint:
- Use a paintbrush, spoon, or just your fingers to apply the puffy paint.
- Let it dry completely. It will stay nice and puffy even after it dries.
Candy Shop Printable – Let’s Make Some Sweets!
Now that you’ve got your puffy paint ready, it’s time to turn it into candy. I created a printable with candy shapes – lollipops, Ice cream, donuts, and more.
How to Use the Printable:
- Print and Cut:
- Print the candy shapes onto regular paper or cardstock.
- Make Them Sturdy:
- Glue the shapes onto a piece of cardboard.
- Let it dry, then carefully cut them out. This makes them easier to handle and paint.
- Paint Your Sweets:
- Apply your puffy paint, creating stripes, swirls, polka dots – whatever feels fun.
- Add glitter or sprinkles while the paint is still wet for extra candy-like sparkle.
Fun Variations
- Scented Sweets: Add a drop of vanilla or peppermint extract to the paint for a little sensory twist.
- Glitter Pop: Mix some glitter directly into the puffy paint for extra sparkle.
- Holiday Themes: Switch up the colors to fit the season – red and green for Christmas, pink and purple for Easter.
- Rainbow Candy: Layer different colors of puffy paint to make rainbow candy bars or lollipops.
FAQ – Puffy Paint Edition
1. How long does puffy paint take to dry?
Usually around 24 hours. It dries thick and spongy, so be patient!
2. Can I store leftover puffy paint?
Not really. It deflates quickly, so it’s best to use it right away.
3. Why isn’t my puffy paint puffy?
If your paint isn’t as puffy as expected, it might have been overmixed. Try folding the shaving cream in gently next time.
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