Making Paint from Fruits & Veggies

African American George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist who made many discoveries that helped farmers everywhere. He loved to paint in his spare time. So, he invented ways to create paint from natural materials. This project will show you how to make paints the same way.

February 11 is National Inventors Day. Follow in the footsteps of George Washington Carver. Invent some paint, and then invent your masterpiece!

What you need

•  6 tbsp. of cornstarch
•  6 tbsp. of baking soda
•  3 tbsp. of light or clear corn syrup
•  5 tbsp. of white vinegar
•  An assortment of different colored fruits and vegetables 
•  Sieve (strainer), or some muslin
•  Clean ice-cube tray or an empty egg carton
•  Glass bowl or glass measuring cup
•  Whisk or a sturdy fork
•  Hand-held mixer
•  Small bowl
•  Measuring spoons

*Note - the fruits and vegetables be frozen but must be thawed before using.

1. In the glass bowl/measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch, baking soda, corn syrup, and vinegar until smooth. 
2. Put about a tablespoon of the mixture into each “cup” in the ice-cube tray. Do the same for the egg carton. Then set it aside.
3. With the hand-held mixer, mash up each of your fruits and vegetables separately. (Clean off the mixer and its container after each use.)

4. After each fruit or vegetable is mashed thoroughly. Put it through the sieve over a clean bowl. This will catch the liquid. 
5. Add 1/4 teaspoon of each different color to the cubes containing the corn starch mixture. Stir to blend well.
6. You now have paints George Washington Carver-style. Go ahead and use the paints to create something wonderful!

Helpful Hints: For leafy green veggies, it is best to tear the leaves into tiny pieces before mashing. If you cover the paint, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks.