When it’s hot outside, you need a great, easy craft inside. Draw with invisible ink and then watch the message come alive!
When it’s too hot for the outdoors, mom needs a few tricks up her sleeve. And preferably, we like the tricks that don’t entail any shopping.
How about a new craft using items we already have at home?
And one that doesn’t cause much mess, if any at all.
And doesn’t need us to help!
That’s what we need! And this is perfect.
All you’ll need is some paper (watercolor paper or cardstock works best; regular paper works but it will get crinkly), baking soda, paintbrushes (any will do), turmeric, and hand sanitizer. Got ‘em? Good.
We know you have turmeric in that spice cabinet. If you’ve ever made Susie’s famous Cauliflower Popcorn, the popular Sticky Honey Garlic Pargiot, or some of the more exotic (but still easy!) dishes here on BCP like the 9×13 Bukharian Rice and Beef (yum and hearty) or the 9×13 Chicken and Eggplant, The elegant Chicken and Green Beans dish uses turmeric as does our Moroccan Fish. (Note that shawarma seasoning contains turmeric, and sometimes we call for that spice mix instead).
Start by diluting the baking soda with a little bit of water. Then paint your invisible message or picture. Don’t have paintbrushes? You can use sponges, Q-tips…
Once “the paint” dries, it will seem a bit grainy. Don’t worry, just shake it off.
Next, mix together the turmeric with hand sanitizer (this works because it contains alcohol). Mix the two together until the mixture becomes liquified (it will…keep mixing).
Now it’s time to reveal your message!
Paint (it helps to use a thicker brush or sponge) using the turmeric mixture over the paper. Your secret message will be revealed.
Why does this work? When turmeric and baking soda are combined, there’s a chemical reaction which changes the turmeric from yellow to a deep red color—note that turmeric and baking soda should not be used together in food recipes!
But for a craft, it’s perfectly good.
Do you have older kids and want something more sophisticated? You’ll love this Salt Painting Craft.
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