I wanted to make another alternative to the rainbow rice sensory bin so that I could rotate them and keep Theo interested, and beans felt like a great option to try. I have to tell you, I love this bin because it’s so much easier to clean up than rice and I find myself reaching for it more often! There’s something about the smooth texture that Theo also really seems to love – plus its easier for him to separate the colors!
Please tag me or let me know if you make this or if you have any questions!
I got this “recipe from” this blog which I found on Pinterest.
Materials:
- Ziploc bags
- light colored beans (I used lima and nave beans in this bin)
- food coloring
- vinegar or rubbing alcohol
Directions
- Measure 1 cup of beans and put in Ziploc bag (I used lima and navy beans in this bin)
- Pour in approximately 1/4 a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol or vinegar into bag. Do not skip the liquid or your beans will not dry and they will leave a stain on your fingers. I only had vinegar in the house so I can’t attest to rubbing alcohol, but it sounds like from what I read that it will work just as well. And don’t worry, the smell evaporates!
- Add in your food coloring – more drops will make a richer color; the beans take much more food coloring than rice to get a deep color, and I wanted a nice pastel tone for an Easter theme so I used just a bit.
- Close bag and mix the rice thoroughly. You may need to put in more food coloring or liquid if you’re not getting the color you want.
- Lay the beans out for about 20 minutes to an hour (depending on how much water you put in it) on a sheet of parchment paper to dry. Once it’s dry it won’t leave color on your hands.
- Repeat steps for any additional colors.
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How to Dye Beans for Sensory Play | the bear and the fawn