Scratch and Sniff Art Cards Craft
Paint with scented gelatin mixes to create scratch-and-sniff art cards — once dry, scratching the surface releases bright fruity aromas.
What You'll Need
- 1Flavored gelatin powder (3-4 flavors/colors)
- 2Warm water
- 3Small cups for mixing
- 4Cardstock paper
- 5Paintbrushes
- 6Scissors
What You'll Need
Flavored gelatin powder in 3-4 flavors (strawberry, lime, orange, grape)
Warm water
Small cups for mixing
Cardstock paper
Paintbrushes
Scissors
How to Play
Mix one tablespoon of gelatin powder with one tablespoon of warm water per color. Stir into a thick paste.
Repeat with three or four different flavors.
Cut cardstock into card-sized rectangles.
Paint designs onto the cards using gelatin paint — flowers, animals, abstract patterns.
Use different flavors for different colors, just like a regular paint palette.
Let dry completely (several hours or overnight).
Scratch the dried surface with a fingernail and smell — the fruity scent pops right up.
Tips
The scratch-and-sniff effect actually works, and it lasts for weeks. Kids are amazed.
The gelatin dries slightly raised and textured, adding a tactile element even before scratching.
These make wonderful handmade greeting cards or bookmarks as gifts.
Paint thickly — a thin coat won't release enough scent when scratched.
Challenge your child to paint one card per scent and make a scratch-and-sniff guessing game for friends or siblings.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 25 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: flavored gelatin powder (3-4 flavors/colors), warm water, small cups for mixing, cardstock paper, paintbrushes, and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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