Create With Elmer’s – Glue DIY Projects

We recently got to spend an evening at the Sloomoo Institute learning about all the fun to be had with Elmer’s Glue beyond slime making. Of course, I had to take notes to share the fun with you. Are you ready to create?

When I was a kid we used to put glue all over our hands, stick them together, and pull apart to watch the glue webs happen. Or I would put glue on my hand, let it dry, and pull off the pieces. Talk about retro ASMR! We knew nothing about slime-making. Slime was simply a thing on Nickelodeon.

Fast forward a few generations and Elmer’s popularity rose with slime time. It wasn’t just a school supply. Glue became a go-to request from littles. Elmer’s even created slime kits so we wouldn’t have to give up all of our detergents, and shaving cream.

In case you need a slime recipe, here is one directly from the Elmer’s Website:

1. Pour out the entire contents of the 5 fl oz Elmer’s Color Glue into a bowl.
2. Add ½ tbsp of baking soda and mix thoroughly.
3. Add 1 tbsp of contact lens solution. Mix until mixture gets harder to mix and slime begins to form.
4. Take the slime out and begin kneading with both of your hands.
5. If it’s too sticky, add ¼ tbsp contact lens solution and knead. Keep adding ¼ tbsp contact lens solution until desired consistency.

*Adult supervision is required; this project is not appropriate for children under the age of 3 years. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after making and playing with slime. Warning: If large quantities of contact lens solution are accidentally ingested (greater than a tablespoon), get medical attention immediately.

More than likely, your little is a slime expert so that is not why you are here. Let’s get to three other fun glue DIY projects the littles can get into. Chances are you already have most of the supplies to make these at home. Best kind of DIY if you ask me.

Clingies

Your little can DIY window clings. This is a really fun project.

Supplies: 3 tbsp Elmer’s White School Glue, 8 drops food coloring, 3-4 drops of dish soap, Bowl, Paintbrush, Measuring spoons, Sheet Protectors

Directions:

1. In a bowl, pour 3 tbsp of Elmer’s White Glue and 8 drops of food coloring.
2. Stir until food coloring and glue are evenly mixed, then add 3-4 drops of dish soap to the mixture.
3. Dip a paintbrush into the mixture, then use it to paint a design on a sheet protector. You can also add glitter or more food coloring to spice things up.
4. Let the design dry for one hour, then peel your design from your sheet protector. Stick your design to your window, and admire it!

Water Color Salt Art

This was JustaBXgirl’s favorite project. She plans on doing Salt art with HOPS during their next arts & crafts day.

Supplies: 1 bottle (4 fl oz) Elmer’s White School Glue, Cardstock paper, Iodized salt, Watercolor paint, Paintbrush, Water (You can also use some of those cardboard boxes that you have in your recycling from all of your online shopping…just me?)

Directions:

1. Using your Elmer’s White Glue bottle like a pen draw a design on a piece of cardstock paper.
2. While the glue is still wet, sprinkle a generous amount of salt on your design.
3. Once your design has been covered, tilt your paper into a gathering area to remove excess salt.
4. Allow the glue to dry.
5. Once the glue has dried, the salt and glue should be hard to the touch. Use your watercolor paint and paintbrush to add paint on top of the salt and bring your design to life!
6. Hang up your creation for all to enjoy.

Peelable Polish

This is a fun one for the littles who want to have fancy nails.

Supplies: 3 tbsp Elmer’s White School Glue, 2-3 drops of acrylic paint, Small Paintbrush, Reusable plate or painter’s palette, Stir Stick, Measuring spoons

Directions:

1. In a reusable plate or painter’s palette, pour 1 tbsp of Elmer’s White Glue and add 2-3 drops of acrylic paint.
2. Use the stir stick to mix the two ingredients. Stir until the color is fully mixed in.
3. Use a small brush to dip into the polish; then use the brush to paint onto your fingernails. Apply a thin layer that coats your nail evenly.
4. Repeat Step 3 until you have reached your desired color vibrancy, one thin layer at a time. Wait 10 minutes for drying between coats.
5. When the final coat is finished, show off your nails! 
6. Peel, redesign, and paint them again as many times as you wish. Be sure to wash your hands once the polish is removed.

Don’t forget to check out the Elmer’s website to learn more about these and other projects that you can do at home.