Glueless spaghetti pictures

There is no need to use glue for these 3D pictures as the starch from the pasta will cause it to stick to the paper like magic! The initial result is highly effective but the card will eventually crinkle, as it sucks the moisture out of the pasta, so it is best photographed for posterity. Other types of pasta will work but may be too heavy to stick once the picture is vertical.

Try drawing simple outlines on the card for the children to follow with the spaghetti. This will develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

You will need:

• Spaghetti
• Thin card
• Paints and paintbrushes (optional)

How to make spaghetti pictures:

• Lightly cook the spaghetti in boiling water for 5 minutes, until pliable but not too mushy.
• Allow to cool. Top tip – the spaghetti remains useable for several hours but dries out and becomes less sticky if it is kept overnight.
• Make pictures on the card with the spaghetti.
• If you wish you can colour the picture with paints. We used a children’s watercolour paint palette for a subtle effect.

As with any food craft please CHECK FOR ALLERGIES before starting.

Last Updated 08 December 2009