Kool-Aid™ Painting Preschool Craft

Trying to do traditional tie-dye with a preschooler can be a disaster. This preschool everyday craft is age appropriate, non-toxic, and the results look great! Mix up a little Kool-Aid™ and vinegar, put it into squirt bottles and let your preschooler create a one of a kind t-shirt!

What You Need

White Cotton T-shirt (or other garment you wish to paint)
 4 Clean Empty Squirt Bottles (one for each color)
8 Packs of Unsweetened Kool-Aid™ (2 each of 4 flavors - dark colors work best)
 2 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Water
Small Funnel
Glass Measuring Cup
Microwave
Iron

How To Make It

Step One:
Mix ½ cup vinegar, ½ cup water, and 2 packs of the same flavor Kool-Aid™ in the measuring cup. Heat in microwave for 2 minutes. Water may be boiling so BE CAREFUL!! Preschooler can help to mix but parent should handle the hot liquid.

Step Two:
Use the funnel to pour the mixture into one of the squirt bottles. Set aside to cool.

Step Three:
Repeat steps one and two for the other 3 flavors of Kool-Aid™.

Step Four:
Hang your preschoolers t-shirt outside on a clothes line or you can lay it on the ground. After the mixtures have cooled to warm, let your preschooler squirt the t-shirt with the various color mixtures.

Step Five:
Let the shirt dry outside. When dry, place between two towels and iron it to “set” the stain. Wait twenty four hours before washing in cold water. You may want to wash it separately for the first time in case color bleeds. Over time, the colors will fade.

Variations:

Instead of squirting the Kool-Aid™ you can rubber band the shirt and use traditional tie-die techniques. If you like the results on the t-shirt, try all different types of clothing.

---

Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.