Home improvements: Safe family fun with foam paint

Make an effort this weekend to set aside some time with the children to have a go at a family-friendly DIY project.

Foam paint is a creative way to engage the children without using dangerous chemicals or creating too much mess. Grab some shaving cream, glue, food colouring, a thick card or paper, and plastic bags.

Mix equal parts shaving cream and glue in the plastic bag, and add your desired food colouring. Seal the bag, and squish together until the contents are completely mixed. Do this for as many colours as desired.

Once your children have figured out what they want to create on the card — it can be a picture made entirely of foam or accompanied by crayon drawings, marker pen, cotton-wool balls, etc — cut off a corner at the bottom of the bag, and use it as though you’re piping icing. Take care not to use brushes — the aim is to create a 3-D effect rather than a flat one. Put down newspaper or towels under your work area to avoid getting the paint on any surfaces. When the picture is complete, set aside, and allow to dry over night.