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Michaelango & his two muses

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I’ll give you three guesses what this post is about. 

No.  It’s not about bacon.

Nope.  Not home improvement.

And it’s definitely not about Will.

Okay.  I lied.  It’s totally about Will.

You can’t blame me though….he is just too darn cute without clothes on.  He already knows how to woo the ladies (specifically me) with his soft little body.  All the while he gets away with murder.  Well, not murder…but definitely unsafe bullheaded activity like STANDING on the table for a fun painting project while the girls sit safely with their little diapered rumps on the seats.  Like I said…Murder.

 

Will acted like he knew exactly what to do.  Pour, dump, dip, smear….he was practically David Bromstad. 

Same thing – both men who paint with their shirts off.  Maybe Will could have his own HGTV show?

Oh and I don’t care what they say, there is nothing cuter than chubby little toes with paint smeared in the cracks. 

Nope.  Nothing cuter.

Unless it is chubby little fingers with paint shmeared in the cracks.  Oh the fingers! 

The fingers gripping a mini brush loaded with paint dripping down it’s neck.  Oh that is the cutest. 

Oh and for those of you wondering – Michaelango here had two muses – and partners in crime paint…little Miss Lilley and sweet sister baby Maggie.  I love how their toes don’t even hit the ground.  That is almost as cute as toes & fingers.  Almost…

We actually created their canvas by draping a large piece of craft paper (I got a huge roll at Hobby Lobby for 50% off) and we simply taped it down.  Will has a tendency to throw things (um, duh) so we figured it would be best if he couldn’t peel it back with his grubby little hands and pretend to be launching grenades.

These two crack me up.  I consider Maggie to be Will’s best friend that is a girl.  He tells her everything.  And vice versa.  Plus, Maggie is Ethan’s girlfriend.  That’s right.  I am one of those weirdo people that make sure all babies have girlfriends and boyfriends.  Like they get a choice…we already have proms planned and wedding venues picked out.   

The paint is actually just flour & water & food coloring.  At one point both Maggie & Will put their brushes in their mouth…and I will let you imagine their reactions.  In short, I think they regretted that decision. 

I love the expression here – my little artist pulling his lips tegether and focusing intently on the details.  If anyone would like to hire Will…you know…to paint a cathedral ceiling or whatnot, he charges $200 an hour.  And I promise all the money will go into his college fund. 

Miss Lilley showing me her handiwork…punny, huh?

The kiddos lasted at this activity a LONG time.  I mean…I even got to sit down at one point which never happens because activities with Will usually last only about thirteen seconds before he is running off with something else to throw…

so I LOVE LOVE LOVE this.  We will definitely do this again.

And I recommend you do too. 

Oh and because the art is a little three-dimensional (I made the consistency of the paint a little on the thicker side so that finger painting would be possible)…I simply took a photo of it before throwing it out.  That way, I can remember the art without storing a four foot long piece of paper in my house 🙂   

Another thing off my summer list! 

How bout you guys?  You been checking things off your summer list?  It is half way over so you better get a cracking!

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  2. Hi Katie!
    Is there specific proportions needed to make your paint? I’m interested.
    Thanks.

  4. Is it okay if adults do this? I’ve been wanting to try my hand at abstract art. I can totally see myself planning an art date with my husband!

  5. Katie! You have to check out the necklaces at The Rusted Chain, they made me think of you! (No, not in a stalker way!) One has a camera on it and it reads “Mom’s gonna snap” and another says “I shoot people”. They are very cute, thepioneerwoman.com featured them on her blog today. Enjoy!

  6. Love love love it!
    I seriously need to stop looking at pics of Will, or our “3-4 years before kids” plan will be flying out the window.

  8. DARLING!!!!!!

    Oh, and that third pic of Will on the left, with the baby boobs and chunky baby legs. How do you resist not smooching that all day long, I mean it’s irrisistable. Baby skin does that to me. He is precious, and so are his darling muses, loved this!!!!

    xo
    Kate

  9. This is such a good idea, katie! (And by the way, I laughed through the whole post- $200/hr… that’s hilarious…) Oh and my little girl is totally betrothed to another little boy about her age (they are 16 and 20 months), but there is a 2 year old we know who wants to steal her away from him- haha. It drives my hubby CRAZY that I make “plans” like that. I think he worries that I’m serious. 🙂 Does Jeremy have an opinion about marrying Will off already?

    -Rachel

    PS We are also totally working on the summer list thing- that was an awesome idea BTW.

  10. What a great idea! I want to try this with my niece the next time we are at the cottage. Did you just keep adding flour to the water until you liked the consistency?

  11. I used one cup of flour and then added hot boiling water till it was like the consistency of peanut butter. Then I added cold water till it was the right consistency (I recommend adding only a very little bit at a time)…then I added the food coloring.
    xo – kb

  12. Jeremy shakes his head in shame at most things I do. I’m lucky that he’s so easygoing…because I think most men would go crazy just hearing me talk for 24 hours.
    xo – kb

  13. I don’t see why not!?
    I used to plan charcoal sketching dates with Jer – who doesn’t draw. Let’s just say that it was really quite entertaining!
    xo – kb

  14. I used 1 cup paint and then just added boiling water till it got thicker…like a paste….then I added cold water till it was right paintbrush consistency. The last part was adding plain old food coloring till it was the right color 🙂 Happy painting!
    xo – kb

  15. I love watching your boy grow up! I have been reading your blog for a long time and through out your pregnancy as well and he is just such a good mix and you and boyfriend! So precious! I have a boy too a few months behind you so I am always interested in seeing what he is into and doing!

  16. best part of the whole post: Will’s baby farmer tan- LOVE it! :o)
    and such a cool kid-safe paint idea. i definitely pinned it on pinterest. :o)

  17. Oh I cannot wait to have little bambinos so that I can plan play dates just like this!!! Love the chubby fingers and toes too!!!! Is that the same kids table you dug out of your neighbors trash?? If so……Do they know you have it?!?!?! haha! Just curious because I’m tempted to do it myself!!! ~Joanna D.

  19. Love that you used a big piece of paper and taped it down. My son (one month younger than Will) painted briefly and then was much more interested in tearing the construction paper I used and waving it around. Great idea! I also take pictures of pictures 🙂

  20. This is an awesome activity! I am going to try it. Anything that can interest my 14 month old for longer than 5 minutes is a winner in my book 🙂 Afterwards, I’ll toss her in her blowup pool to wash off. That way I can extend her entertainment lest she continue destroying my home (Kate should meet Will; she likes to throw stuff, too).

  21. if luke had done this, it would be a big brown blob. i guess that is what happens when you get older and think y0u’ve got skillzz. i think they did a fantastic job! xo

  22. Great idea- I so have to try this! Will reminds me so much of my little guy Lennon. The feet, the hands, the throwing of objects…. I love to squeeze my little guy’s feet and give him kisses, especially when he is so deep in concentration when he is doing something- the serious faces they make. I love it when Lennon gets books and sits down in my lap and waits patiently to read them. Sometimes I stall a bit b/c it cracks me up to see him sitting and waiting. The waiting wont last too long before he starts grunting in anger,lol!

  23. Such cute pictures! When my kids were little (but probably older than Will) I would give them a bucket of plain water and a big paint brush and let them “paint” the house (outside!). They thought it was so fun. It would keep them occupied for hours. And no mess…actually everything was cleaner when they were done!

  25. haha! Yup – same table…and those folks are long gone…they were apparently moving and that table didn’t make the list of ‘must-take’ items. I on the other hand packed up christmas cards from 1997.
    xo – kb

  27. Awww….Beautiful….actually, I wish you had not thrown it away! I would have framed it and put it on my living room wall. – Luv you, MOM

  28. When I was a nanny in college I definately whipped out the paint for activities. I find it provides a good break and kids love it! Great pictures for this post! Will’s art really is good!

  29. Thanks for the paint recipe- I’ve never heard of making paint before, but I feel so much better with an option that’s okay if he puts it in his mouth. Which my little monster will, inevitably. I personally would have considered framing that as well, for a playroom maybe…

  30. Use the painted rolls of paper as wrapping paper (once it dries). It’s cute, fun, and resourceful. I cannot take credit for that idea, it was a combo idea from our friends and their nanny 🙂 Happy painting!

  32. How does Clara feel about Will spending so much time with other ladies? I’m sure it’s difficult being in a long-distance relationship. So cute!

  34. This post made my day. Love the stories you tell through your photography. And yes, that art should be framed and highlighted in your beautiful home!

    xoxo,
    Jen

  36. Gawd, that kid is cute! Looks like they had a blast. We tried the non-toxic paints back in Feb. for a Valentine’s Day playdate theme and created “stamped” pictures with cookie cutters. Of course there were lots of cute little finger and handprints mixed in. Love this kind of activity- here is my post about making Valentine’s gifts from the finished artwork…. http://kitschdesigns.com/post/Holiday-Gifts.aspx
    But I love the idea of flour and water instead, so I think I will try this one out. I have been imagining a diaper painting day in the yard, but between the incredible heat we are having here in Richmond and the mosquitos I think we might die trying. This may end up being a fall activity for us.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Erika

  37. Katie,
    I just found your blog from Sherry’s blog. I love it!!! Thanks for the paint recipe. I can’t wait to try this with my daughter. It’s going to be so much fun.

  38. When my daughters were this age, I created paint for the bathtub- its a good rainy day activity….simply mix baby shampoo with food coloring. Simply place the toddler in the tub without water-Then let them “paint” the tub and surround. It washes right off- and you have a few moments to breathe, clean the bath- whatever!

  39. One day… Will is going to tell his buddies that he once painted with 2 naked chicks… while he was also naked… totally a pubescent guy spin on the matter— time, context—won’t be relevant–just the nakedness and 2 chicks. ; )

  40. Too cute – I have an 18 mon. old and went searching for homemade art supplies after reading your post and found a link to 10 homemade art supplies – thought I’d share…

    http://www.hsclassroom.net/2011/01/10-recipes-for-homemade-art-supplies/

    I want to try the bath crayons…..

    Will is too precious, I know he’s betrothed to Clara, but in case that doesn’t work out, my sweet Amelia is up for grabs at the moment – I haven’t found the right match for her yet…..

    Susan

  41. I love this idea! I tried washable markers with Madelin (our 13 month old) and wash I did..blue lips, orange thighs, purple fingers…
    I’d much rather her stick flour and water in her mouth than blue marker.
    We will definitely be trying this.
    Id you have some free time(don’t feel bad if you don’t, no mother does) you could take a gander at my (new and little) blog, ashandandrew.blogspot.com and pass along any tips or constructive criticism. It would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Ashley

  42. David Bromstad vs Will – yes I can see the connection! Except Will may have to work on evening out his tan 😉 soooooo cute!

  44. cheap paper tip…I get rolls of white wrapping paper at the dollar tree. Can’t beat the price:)

  45. Katie – I love reading your posts and I’m so inspired by your style. I have a quick question for you: I tried to make this paint for my girls and it came out all lumpy! Any ideas how to avoid that? Thanks!
    Brittany

  46. Use the boiling hot water first…and then thin it out with cool water. Last add the food coloring!
    Hope this helps!
    xo – kb

  47. Hey Katie – I know you were working on a summer list – and wanted more ideas (is summer really 1/2 over!?) Well I found this site and there are so many awesome ideas on there!

    http://totallytots.blogspot.com/

    I thought I would share it with you and hopefully this woman can give you a few more things to add to your summer list!

    Best,
    Kristi

  48. I would like to use this in my class of 1 & 2 yr. olds especially since they like putting stuff in their mouths but my question is how easy is it to clean up afterwards? I mean does it wash off their hands easy? I wondered with it being food color. I didn’t want parents mad at me if it didn’t come off. I will try it this summer with my grandchildren also. Thanks

  49. As far as I remember it came off easily – the only thing is that it dries pretty fast…so it becomes a bit crunchy on their little fingers. Maybe you could have a wet towel station for right after the mess is made?
    xo – kb

  50. Hi Katie! This is a wonderful idea and I am going to do this with my 13 month old son:) I didn’t see a recipe for the paint in your blog, could you share it with me? I know it’s made of flour, water and food coloring, just need to know measurements. Thanks a bunch!!

  51. It’s more of a consistency thing – just add the food coloring to the water first and then add that to the flour slowly till you get the right consistency. I wanted ours to be a little thick (think yogurt) so I added water till it was the way I wanted it. You can always add more food coloring later too…if you want more vibrant colors 🙂
    xo – kb

  52. I want to make this for my twins and their neighbor friend but I was wondering if the paint will save if I make it ahead of time?

  53. I doubt it…but you might want to test it – like just mix up a quarter cup and throw it in the fridge to see if it keeps a while 🙂
    xo – kb

  55. What is the recipe for this paint? I so want to do this with my little girl before it gets too cool out b/c she will be in nothing but diapers! 🙂

  56. It’s really a mix-till-you-get-the-consistency-you-like kinda thing. Just do the warm water and the flour first till you get it like a thick pastey paint and then thin accordingly…add the food coloring later. Have fun!
    xo – kb

  57. I tried this paint. I wasn’t real fond of it. Maybe if it’s being used for younger kids but my 3 year old hated it. It doesn’t dry very well and it’s thick. But that’s just my opinion. 🙂

  58. Try using less flour if you try again…the best part about this is that the consistency is completely up to you!
    xo kb

  59. can you actually keep this art without it getting yucky if u wanted to put it up?

  66. We are planning to paint the bath tub walls on Monday to beat our cabin fever. My 5 and 3 year old are very excited but I think my 13 month old will have the most fun.

  67. Hey Katie, lots of people are actually pinning this post because of the paint. IDK if you’d be up for it, but would you consider throwing the recipe in the post? Obviously your blog so do as you wish lol, but letting you know it’s blowing up on pinterest because of the paint 🙂

  68. Just lovely that your kids get to make mess and play so creatively, I am going to make this paint for my 3 yr old, thanks for the idea, anna

  70. Nope. No salt. And I just put about half a cup of flour in each bowl and added water till it was the consistency I wanted…then added food coloring till it was bright.
    xo – kb

  72. The food coloring doesn’t…someone mentioned that the gel food coloring does (it hasn’t for me but maybe because I use a tiny amount).
    xo – kb

  73. Is it okay for a one year old baby? I want to do some paint fun activities on canvases for his first bday party:) I just wanna make sure its safe

  74. It does have food coloring so if you are sensitive to exposing your child to that, they do sell vegetable dyes that you could use instead.
    xo – kb

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