We love to paint, especially with finger-paint. Usually I just purchase ready to use non toxic children finger paints, although occasionally we make our own, then line the table with plastic covering or old newspapers and paint away. Variations on “sit at the table and paint” are always fun and so here are some ways we think are fun to finger paint:
Bathtub Paint party: I find it especially interesting for children 18 months to 21/2 years to paint with finger-paint in the bath tub. My children find it funny and different and they have so much space to explore the paint and clean up is a breeze. I like to tape several sheets of paper around the bathtub and let the children paint. When painting time is over we remove the art work and wash up. So far I have not had an issue with paint staining our tub but usually if I have a new brand then I test a corner a day or so ahead of time. To dry the art work try tying a shoelace to the towel rack and use clothes pins to hang.
Picnic Painting: Moving our finger paint outdoors is not only a good way to reduce clean up it is also a new place for inspiration. We have lined our picnic table with newspaper and have also just laid out a plastic sheet onto the grass. Some ideas are to paint rocks, add grass blades to the paint, cover leaves and use them for printing. Letting my children take the lead they end up with some pretty cool projects.
“Spin-less” Spin Art: Recently we took some paper plates, finger paint, newspaper and water outside. We took turns putting paint onto paper plates and then spinning them, paint side down, onto a piece of paper.
The results were awesome colorful prints that resembled spin art projects! This is super simple but kept us busy for a long time and it was also a great way to experiment, and talk about what happens when the paint colors mix.
I will be posting in the next days about our messy adventure with Shaving cream paint, balls and ramps painting and paint-cycling ! You can also check out our summer fun series for more fun things to do this summer.
What is your favorite paint activity?
Ariadne Brill
[…] and Rollin’ Paint – Part 1 June 27, 2011 by ariadne We recently had another paint party outside on the lawn and it was great fun. This time we decided to try painting with balls, ramps […]