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How to Dye Pasta for a Sensory Bin

How to Dye Pasta for a Sensory Bin

Have you ever wondered how to dye pasta or how to dye rice to make sensory bins for kids? Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started and ideas for ways to use the colored pasta or colored rice. 

How to Dye Pasta

How to dye pasta for a sensory bin

Ingredients:

  • Rubbing Alcohol orDistilled Vinegar (1-2 Tablespoons)
  • Food coloring (Approximately 1 teaspoon)
  • Dried, Uncooked Pasta (3 cups)
  • Newspaper or Parchment paper

 

how to dye pasta for a sensory bin

 

First, pour the rubbing alcohol or vinegar into a gallon-sized zip top freezer bag.

 

 

Next, add the food coloring (10 or more drops) and swirl the bag gently to mix the food coloring with the alcohol.

 

 

Then, place the pasta into the bag and seal the bag closed.

Toss and shake the bag until the pasta is evenly coated in color. If additional food coloring is needed, add it and continue shaking the bag to coat.

 

How to Dye Pasta for Sensory Bins

 

When the pasta is completely coated, transfer the pasta to a rimmed baking sheet covered with parchment paper or newspaper.

Spread the pasta into an even layer and allow to dry for several hours, stirring once.

You can also dye rice for sensory bins. 

 
 
coloring rice
 

How to Dye Rice

  • 1 lb. of rice
  • 1/2 tsp. of food coloring,
  • 1 tsp of rubbing alcohol

 

how to dye rice
 
Use the same process as dying the pasta. 
 
Tip: The longer you let the rice or pasta soak in the bag, the darker the color gets.
Tip: You can also use liquid watercolor paint to dye the pasta or rice if you have that on hand.
 
 
How to dye rice for sensory bins
 
You can make themed sensory tubs with rice or pasta as your base.

Check out these 100 Sensory Bin Ideas organized from A to Z for inspiration.

 
Before making a themed sensory bin, let your child spend time playing with the pasta or rice using different materials such as:
 
  • bowls
  • cups
  • spoons
  • muffin tins
  • containers
  • funnels
  • cupcake liners

Trust me, this will provide hours of fun and entertainment.

Name Sensory Bin

We have also practiced how to spell names with a Name Sensory Bin

 

how to dye pasta for sensory bins

 
 

 

Time For Play

Monday 29th of November 2010

FYI...you don't have to add the alcohol. The colors will mix just fine with the rice and you don't have that yucky smell. I have always made it with alcohol as well until I watched this video..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvLFr93tNqg

Elle Belles Bows

Thursday 21st of October 2010

Thanks for sharing! I have been meaning to do some colored rice for Elle's sensory tub! Kerri

Jessika

Wednesday 20th of October 2010

I like to dye rice for the children I teach. Another way I do it is use small containers which the children can then shake to colour the rice. I then put it on plastic trays and leave in the sun to dry =) I have used newspaper but found the rice got stuck to it - did you have this issue?

Sippy Cup Central Mom

Wednesday 20th of October 2010

I am so glad you tried it...thanks for the link love. KarenSippy Cup Central Mom

Anonymous

Wednesday 20th of October 2010

Water Colors (like coloration from Discount School Supplies) works wonders also! Plus there is little to no drying time!Thanks for reminding me of how fun colored rice can be!Tracy