Ooh, today is one of those days. I’m dying to be creative but Anie is like a little tick stuck to my side. I had to find something to satisfy my need to create and her need to be with mom. I’ve been thinking a lot about making food grade, artist quality paint. I decided we would start out simple and make berry paint. So, we headed into the backyard to a pick. Here’s how you make blackberry paint:

First, you need a child – preferably one that likes to eat the berries you are picking. Put them to work. Let them pick while you snack.


Keep up your hard worker’s strength with frequent taste tests.

Ah, the proud harvest. We (I use that loosely) picked about a quart. I figure one five year old is good for a quart. If you need more than a quart, better get yourself some more five year olds.

Next, let the five year old pour the blackberries in a bowl for crushing.

Five year olds seem to enjoy squishing berries so grab a book and chill while they moosh.

Look at that beautiful, blackberry juice. Suitable for drinking, perfect for painting. It will act more like a stain – just like the ones you get all over your clothes when picking. This is sustainable art. The paper and paint can be composted in the garden and used another time. You can also use it for gift wrap and cards.

Anie proudly works on her painting. She’s very into making grids and patterns these days. We were very excited to watch the paint as it first hit the paper. It started out a little red but quickly darkened to a deep purple. Very fun alchemy!
If you’re wondering just how to get blackberry stains out of clothing, my friend Heidi told me to stretch the fabric across the sink and pour boiling hot water over it until the stain disappears. It works!