Neogrun

Neogrün: finger paints and play dough for creative play

Neogrün, also written as Neogrun, makes materials for children to paint, knead and shape. Finger paints and soft play dough form the core of the collection. Small tools, such as a rolling pin, cutters and a paint palette, complement them. The focus is on exploring colour, shape and texture: a creation does not have to resemble a predetermined example.

Finger paints and play dough work differently

The finger paint is thick and spreadable. It can be applied with fingers, a brush or a sponge. Colours can be mixed, and the paint can be used on materials including paper and cardboard. A different surface changes the result: paper absorbs paint, while a smooth surface keeps more of it on the outside.

The soft play dough has volume. You can roll, squeeze, flatten and cut shapes from it. A child can change the same lump again and again. Left in the air, the dough starts to dry, allowing a finished creation to retain its shape.

Raw materials and colour

Neogrün uses raw materials of natural origin and plant and mineral pigments. The product information describes the paints and dough as vegan and refers to Nature Care Product certification. This information concerns those particular materials; a wooden rolling pin or porcelain palette is a different type of product.

Ingredients are listed on the packaging. Consider paint and dough separately, because they have different compositions. A property of the paint, such as how it dissolves or washes off, does not automatically apply to the dough. The packaging is also where you can check the ingredients for a specific colour or version.

The collection at the craft table

• Finger paints. Individual colours and sets let you use a colour separately or mix several together.
• Play dough. Separate pots and colour combinations are available for modelling, stamping and rolling out.
• Rolling and cutting. The beechwood rolling pin creates a flat layer. Animal-shaped cutters make recognisable shapes.
• A work surface. The beechwood board provides a small surface for working with dough.
• Separating colours. The flower-shaped paint palette is made from glazed porcelain and has several wells for portioning and mixing paint.

Playing without a fixed result

Even a small amount of material offers different things to explore. What happens when two colours mix? What impression does a cutter leave? How can a flat piece become a ball again? These actions provide opportunities to practise movements, feel differences and make choices. Tools add another action, but are not necessary for every creation.

Clearing up and storage

Close the pots after use and store them as instructed on the packaging, away from bright light. Remove only the amount of paint you need. Protect the table and clothing: natural pigments can also stain. Remove wet paint from a suitable smooth surface before it dries, and clean tools according to their individual materials.

Frequently asked questions about Neogrün