Colored pasta is a staple item for kids craft activities. I have to confess that despite working in early learning environments for many years I never actually knew how to make colored pasta- until today. I always put it in the too hard category, but in reality I didn’t have a clue how to make it. Making colored pasta is much easier than I thought. In fact it took me less than 10 minutes to have it all ready, and then I just needed to let it dry. There are so many great activities that you can do with your toddler using colored pasta. You can sort it, thread it, glue it, mix it, use it in a sensory box and so much more. My toddlers started using it in place of the pom poms in this activity that we did earlier in the week. I also love that it is so cheap – each bag of pasta is less than $1 and I even managed to find dinosaur pasta which has been a big hit! A litt1le tip if you have pets – my dogs discovered that they LOVE colored pasta so keep it away from them or you might catch them snacking on it like I did!
We love to use our colored pasta in our sand and water play tables. Add scoops and containers and it will keep them entertained for at least 30 mins (that’s a long time for a toddler – at least it is for mine!).
What you need
- Pasta (you can use any kind, I bought a few bags and mixed them up for a bit of variety). Be aware of the size of the pasta you are buying as some of the smaller ones could be a choking hazard.
- White vinegar (I bought the cheapest brand)
- Zip Lock bags – you will need 2 for each color (1 for the mixture and 1 to store the dried pasta in). You can use containers for mixing the colors, but be aware that the food coloring will stain
- Grease proof paper
- Food coloring
What to do
- Tip a variety of pasta into a zip lock bag
- Add a tablespoon of vinegar
- Add food coloring (as much as needed to create your desired color)
- Shake the bag until all of the pasta is covered in vinegar. If there is not enough, add a tiny bit more vinegar
- Lay the pasta on grease proof paper to dry. You need to separate the pasta so that it doesn’t stick together when it dries.
- Wait for the pasta to dry. I left mine for about 3 hours in the sun, but the actual time will depend on where you leave it.
- Store your pasta in a zip lock bag or container.
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More posts you may enjoy are:
Simple Sensory Bins for Toddlers
Autumn/Fall Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
Halloween Sensory Play Ideas for Toddlers
francesca says
Fab idea!!! thank you! I would have had no idea how to make this but now will be sure to give this a try. Signed up to follow to get some more great ideas. Especially perfect to create a fun time indoors with the poor weather.
Carol says
Thanks Francesca, I’m glad you like the ideas!
Joyce says
They are so colorful. I have never heard of coloring my own pasta. Thanks for sharing, I will comment back http://www.oldefashionmom.com
Carol says
Thanks Joyce! I’ll have to check out your site 🙂
playathometeacher says
Oooh this looks fab & I love that you found dinosaur pasta! Thanks for linking up to #playathometuesdays x
Karen Bell says
Coloured pasta always looks so fun and inviting for little ones. I never knew how to make it. It looks very simple.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Hope says
Great idea, we love playing with pasta to make coloured jewellery and craft activities! #letkidsbekids
Alice Young says
I’m so obsessed with colouring dried foods for sensory play and agree this is the best way to do it! #playathometuesdays x
Leandra says
We’ve never tried colouring pasta, it’s something I’d really like to try now I’ve seen this. Thanks so much for sharing.
#toddlerapprovedtuesday
Jules says
I wondered how people do that! Will definately be trying with my boy #MummyMondays
Carol says
Thanks Jules!
Catherine says
This is much easier than I thought too. Thanks for sharing 🙂
#pintorials
Jen aka Muminthemadhouse says
What a fab frugal idea, thank you for joining in with #FabulouslyFrugal this week. Please do come back on Sunday to see if you have been features and join in again.
Helen @ Peakle Pie says
What a great idea! Thank you for linking up with the Frugal Family Linky!
Carol says
Thanks Helen!
Gude @HodgePodgeCraft says
Great tutorial! I used to love making pasta jewellery with my mum when I was small 🙂
Thanks for sharing at #Pintorials
Carol says
Thank you! Glad you like it!
Jen says
What a great idea! Wonder if you could do it with rice as well! 🙂
Carol says
Rice works well too! I have recently made some but just haven’t had the chance to post it yet!
Cathy says
Oh, I have to try this! It looks so fun and easy to create! Love this, and I can not thank you enough for sharing this on Making Memories Mondays! Yeah! 🙂
Cathy
Stephanie says
Hi… Just wonder once the pasta dried, will it stain the children hands or clothes when they play with it?
Carol says
No it’s fine once it is dry. If it gets wet at all the color will run a bit, but it’s fine when it’s dry.
Rachel Osborn says
I always wondered how people made colored pasta for sensory tables and crafts. Thanks for sharing how at the Family Joy Linkup!
Marisa says
What a great idea! All that colorful pasta will make a fun craft for a little one. I think even my four-year-old and seven-year-old will enjoy using it. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this with #FamilyJoy Blog Link-Up Party! 🙂
Ayelet says
So yummy and fun! Great post!
– Ayelet from Strength In Words
Deanna @ Play Dough & Popsicles says
Fun stuff!! We love doing crafts with pasta!
Thanks for sharing with Everything Kids!
Alicia Owen says
I don’t know why we’ve never done this with pasta. We dyed some pumpkin seeds last fall. Fun!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Awesome DIY! Love your tutorial. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Pinned & Shared See you again soon.
Frugal Hausfrau says
I thought of crafts immediately, too! Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday! I peeked in earlier, but didn’t get a chance to comment before now! Have a great weekend!
Mollie
Beverly says
What a great idea for the kids to do. Have to try this with my grandkids.
Thanks for sharing at Turn It Up Tuesday,
Bev