DIY School Glue

Homemade School Glue

When I saw the idea for making homemade glue over at I Can Teach My Child, I  knew right away that I wanted to try it out. I have been avoiding buying school supplies in China that could easily end up all over Andrew's hands and then probably ended up in his mouth, just to be on the safe side. Now I that I learned how to make homemade corn syrup, I can make this glue whenever we need it. I did end up adapting the original recipe because at first it turned out too thin, but the second time it turned out great!

Just Like Elmer's School Glue

• ¾ cup water
• 2 Tbsp corn syrup
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• ¼ cup cold water 

1. In a medium saucepan heat 3/4 cup water, corn syrup, and vinegar.
2. In a separate bowl or measuring cup mix ¼ cup of water with corn starch until thoroughly dissovled.
3. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the other ingredients, and stir well.
4. Bring mixture to a rolling boil for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat and let cool. (The glue will still be kind of thin when it is hot. It will thicken up gradually as it cools.)
6. Pour into recycled glue container or jar, and let sit over night.
7. Use as you would regular school glue. (I didn't have an old glue container to recycle, so I just store the glue in a jar and poured a small amount into a bottle cap for the boys to apply with Q-tips. This method worked well.)

The boys had lots of fun gluing popsicle sticks together to make dinosaurs with this glue. It is a little more clear than regular Elmer's glue, but it holds just as well when dry.