Kid Activities

1000's of Ideas for Childcare Professionals & Teachers!

Art Activities for Kids! Page 1

June 10, 2009 01:45 by Barbara Shelby

This is Page 1...Have fun with all kinds of painting, drawing, textures, materials, and application
techniques... For more great ideas go to Page 2

_________

PAINT OR DRAW THE MUSIC! (Great for all ages!)

Painting or drawing "music" is a fun way to encourage children to creating abstract designs. Many
artists, including the great Russian painter Kandinsky, believe that music and art can express the same
feelings and ideas.

1. Simply play a piece of powerful music for 10 minutes.

2. For the first few minutes, have students sit quietly with eyes closed, listening and imagining lines and
shapes and colors. After listening they then "paint the colors and shapes that they hear."

There's no wrong way to do this. Whatever a child creates is exactly right...his interpretation of the
music.

____________________
WET CHALK DRAWING: By dipping your chalk into wet paint, you can create wonderful works of chalk
art that won't smudge like regular chalk.

(Grades K-8) You Need: Paper (any color), Colorful chalk (either chalk pastels or blackboard chalk), White
tempera paint (liquid), Dish for the paint

1. Put a small amount of white tempera paint into a dish.

2. Dip the tip of your chalk into the paint.

3. Draw on your paper. The drawing marks you make will show not only the color of the chalk but also
an edge of white paint. If you draw on dark colors, the white will show up very nicely. You could also use
dark tempera paint with a light color paper. The possibilities are endless.

4.The beautiful part of this activity is that the paint "seals" the chalk so it won't smudge on the paper.

___________________

CRAYON ETCHING - Example is the work of a fifth grade child...

Grade: K-8

Younger students will enjoy exploring this activity while older students should be encouraged to
investigate detailed images and patterns.

You Need:

Paper (poster board works best), Crayons, Popsicle stick or nail

1. Fill the paper with crayon shapes and patterns making sure to press hard. It is best to use light colors
at this stage.

2. Once you have filled the paper with crayons patterns, color heavily over the whole paper using black
crayon.

3. Plan out a picture or design and using the popsicle stick or paper clip, scratch the design into the black
crayon. The light colors will show through where you scrape away the black.
4. Polish the picture by rubbing wax paper on it -- to give it a shine. You can also use a chamois cloth or
even a plastic bag.

_____________________

TOAST ART AND SNACK IN ONE!

Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Food coloring, cinnamon sugar, butter, small paper cups,thin brushes or
cotton-tipped swabs

Mix “paint by combining food coloring with milk. Paint designs on one side—try and be creative with
stripes, stars, designs. When changing colors be sure to remind kids to use different brush or swab.
When complete-toast in toaster on light or under broiler. Can eat as is----or while still hot butter and
sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

_________________________

CONTINUOUS LINE ART

1. Turn on a kitchen timer to one minute.

2. Using a marker, begin drawing but don't pick up your marker.

3. Make one long continuous line going up, down, across and around. 4. When the timer goes off, color
in the spaces.

___________________________
MARBLE PAINTING

Nice to hang and display...

1. Give children construction paper and several colors of thick tempera paint in shallow dishes.

2. Put paper in a shallow box- then dip a marble in the chosen paint color and use a spoon to scoop it
out and onto the paper.

3. Now hold the box tilting it back and forth as the marble moves across. When there is no more paint,
dip the marble again or get a marble in a different color.

________________________

GOLF BALL ROLLERS ART: 4 and up...

1. Cut paper slightly larger than the base of a shoe box and place in the bottom of the box folding up
the excess.

2. Dribble 3 or 4 different colors of fluorescent or ordinary paint onto the paper and drop in a golf ball.

3. The children have great fun rolling the ball around and around making tracks.

4. When complete remove the paper and repeat the process.

_______________________________

STAINED GLASS WINDOW PAGE

Coloring pages (Use a coloring book page and make copies of pages from it.)

Crayons or oil pastels

Newspaper

Cooking oil

Cotton balls
Neatly color a coloring page-- pressing the crayons or oil pastels hard on the paper.

Lay the finished colored page on many layers of newspaper.

Wet a cotton ball in cooking oil and rub it over the surface of the page.

Make sure the page is thoroughly oiled-- and then wipe off the excess oil. (Neither dry spots nor or
overly soaked spots should be showing.

Leave the page on the paper for several hours until the oil is absorbed.

When the page is put in front of a window--- the sun will shine through the translucency.

Idea from Angie Dockter-Rochester, Mi.

_____________________________________

GROUP FOLD-OVER DRAWINGS GAME

Give everyone a piece of paper.

On the top section, draw a head. It can be an animal head or a person's head, as weird as you like. Now
fold that section back, so that it's hidden, and pass it to the next person.

Without looking at the hidden drawing, the next person draws a chest and arms of a person, animal, or
creature---folds it back ---and passes it on to the next person.

Without looking at the previous pictures, that person draws a body – the stomach and hips.

The last person draws the legs and feet.

You can have more or fewer sections-- depending on the number of people you have drawing.

When complete, unfold your papers and see what unique people/creatures you have drawn!

________________________________

ANIMATE A STICK FIGURE

Find a pad of paper or a post-it pack. Start in one corner of the page and draw a stick figure. Lift up the
page and draw the same figure on the next page, but move an arm or leg just slightly, and continue on
each page of the pack. On each page, you'll draw your stick figure just positioned a little differently.
When you flip the pages with your thumb, you'll have an animated stick figure!
___________________________

SPLATTER ART with Daubers (Bingo Markers)

Give children a piece of paper and a small bowl of water.

Set out some different colors of dauber pens.

Children take daubers and dip the tip into the water. Then slightly smash pen onto the paper.

The water will splatter the paint out.

Repeat with other colors of pens.

Splatters will create interesting designs on the paper.

__________________________

FINGER PAINT PRINTS

Have children finger print directly on a waterproof surface such as a table top or on a lunch tray.

After they have created pictures or designs, they press paper on top of their paintings to make prints.

For texture, they can sprinkle some salt onto the finger print. Tools can also be used with finger
paintings, such as combs, Popsicle sticks or forks.

1. Prime the paints by placing a bead of water on each color.

2. Stick your thumb in a watercolor pan.

3. Make a thumbprint on the paper.

4. When it is dry, add lines to make it a person, bug, or something imaginative.

_______________________________
PAINT THUMB PRINT PICTUES with Watercolor Tins.

1. Prime the paints by placing a bead of water on each color.

2. Stick your thumb in a watercolor pan.

3. Make a thumbprint on the paper.

4. When it is dry, add lines to make it a person, bug, or something imaginative.

___________________________

FINGER PRINT ART with Ink Pad...Need:

• Paper

• Ink pad

• Markers

Dirctions:

1. Roll your finger or thumb over the ink pad.

2. Make a print by firmly pressing the inked finger or thumb against the paper. Use different fingers to
make prints of various sizes.

3. Wash your hands and allow the prints to dry for a few minutes. Then draw faces and other details on
the prints. Look through books or magazines for ideas for more fingerprint art.

_____________________

CHALKY WATER ART

Colored chalk, drawing paper, liquid starch, paintbrushes

Draw picture with chalk and then brush over it with liquid starch. Watch it glow!
________________________________

COMB PAINTING Need: Combs, cardboard, flour, paint.

1. Cut a comb out of cardboard or use a real one.

2. Mix flour and water to a smooth paste and add paint to color. Spread the paste on paper and draw
the comb over the paint.

_______________________________________

WATERCOLOR IN SALT AND GLUE

1. Draw with white glue from a squeeze bottle on a matte board - or other cardboard type square.

2. Squeeze out thick, bold lines.

3. Carry the matte board to a dish tub of salt -any kind of salt (Table, Rock, Epsom - even Sugar will
work)

4. Rest the glue design in the tub of salt.

5. Cover the glue lines with salt. Shake off excess. Repeat with more salt to be sure all the glue is nice
and thick with salt.

6. Return to the art table.

7. Gently touch the tip of a brush covered with watercolor paint to the salt.

8. Watch the paint color zoom through the salt. (The color diffusion part is science) You can change the
application of colors any time. The colors will mix some.

9. Let the design dry.

10. The salt & glue will dry hard and crisp.

Caution: If the matte board is handled too much, the salt will fall off and be crumbly. You can display it
with clear plastic wrap pulled over the design and taped on the back of the board -- Or in a zip lock
baggie.

______________________________
PLASTIC WRAP MAGIC

1. Paint a picture with wet, colorful areas.

2. While the paint is still wet and in puddles, crumple a sheet of plastic wrap and smush it down onto
the wet paint.

3. Don't move the plastic around...just press it flat onto the paint.

4. Set the painting aside to dry for an hour.

5. When you come back and pull off the plastic, you will discover unusual and beautiful patterns in the
dry paint beneath.

_____________________

INVISABLE DRAWING

1. Draw a design with white crayon on white paper....this is hard to do because it's difficult to see what
you're drawing.

2. Create a really wild design with lots of scribbles and dots and zigzag patterns.

3. Paint over the top of your "invisible" drawing with bright watercolors. Like magic, the drawing will
appear in all its glory.

______________________________

BUBBLE WRAP PAINTING

Need: Paper, Bubble wrap, (the type used for packing) Tempera Paint

Paint your favorite colors onto the bubble wrap. Lay your paper on the bubble wrap and gently smooth
with your hands. Peel back the paper. What do you see? Tip: Bubble wrap prints would make a nice
background for your next art project.
_______________________________________

PAINTED GLUE

Materials:

White glue

Waxed paper

Marking pens

1. Spill glue onto waxed paper in odd shapes.

2. Let the glue dry until it is hard and clear.

3. Color the dried glue with fine point markers.

4. Remove the shapes from the paper.

Hang them in windows...from mobiles...or even around your neck!

______________________________________

POINTILLISM WITH Q-TIPS & WATERCOLORS

You Need: Watercolors, Q-tips, watercolor paper, drafting tape

Discuss how Georges Seurat used dots to make paintings...specifically how he used primary colors
placed NEXT to each other instead of mixing colors.

Tape the edges of the paper with drafting tape.

Sketch basic landscape with a pencil.

Wet the paint with a brush, dip the q-tip in water and dip it into the paint.
Pressing down lightly will make a small dot, more pressure will create a larger one.

Have children try to fill up as much of the paper as possible with color.

Remove the tape when the painting is dry.

___________________

POINTILLISM WITH CRAYON (Age 6+)

Materials: Drawing paper, Crayons, Pencil

Pointillism is a method of making a color by combining tiny dots of colors.

To make an area appear green, you would fill it with points or dots of blue and yellow.

The idea of pointillism is not to physically mix colors.

Plan a design or picture. Sketch it on drawing paper. 'Color' each area by making dots of color. Use the
point of your crayon, and place the dots close together. Remember to mix dots of 2 colors to form the
color you want. Stand away from the finished picture, and you will see that the dots blend together.

__________________

SHOE POLISH ART

Have the children draw on their paper with shoe polish applicators as if they were using giant magic
markers.

Dots can be made by picking up the applicators and then pressing them down on the paper.

Have children use one color first; then use 2 or more colors to mix and make new colors.

Make pastel colors by gently taking off the sponge applicator tops.

For white shoe polish and add a few drops of food coloring.

When the shoe polish is gone, wash out the container and refill with a watery tempera paint.

__________

MORE WITH SHOE POLISH ART

Materials: Plastic bottles of different colored shoe polish with sponge applicators, Colored construction
paper
Put white shoe polish onto a brown shoe polish tree and add food color into the white polish for the
BLOSSOMS.

Use brown shoe polish for puddles and glue paper pigs or ??? in the PUDDLES.

Make white CLOUDS and white WAVES with brown sandy BEACHES.

Paint white GHOSTS on black paper, black on orange paper.

SNOWMEN, SNOW SCENES on blue paper with white polish.

Stripes on CANDY CANES using red paper and white polish

Pastel shoe polish onto ovals for EASTER EGGS.

Fill bottles with watery tempera paint when they are empty.

___________________

BABY WIPE TIE DYE

You need:

Container of low cost baby wipes, rubber bands, watercolor markers and surgical gloves

1. Take 1 baby wipe and about 4 rubber bands for each child.

2. Tie the bands very tightly around different sections of the baby wipe. Children can roll baby wipes or
fold them in different ways before they tie them.

3. Next, have them put the gloves on because it does get a little messy.

4. Place the baby wipe on some scratch paper and color between the rubber bands with the different
color markers. Make sure children press the markers to the wipe --- so the ink will go all the way
through.

5. Next, carefully cut the rubber bands off of the baby wipe. The results can be amazing!

6. Let them dry and then mat and hang up!

___________________________

MAKE YOUR OWN STICKERS

You Need:
Unflavored gelatin

Magazine pictures

A bowl

Measuring cups

A paintbrush

Scissors

Waxed paper

Cut out interesting pictures from magazines.

Next, combine a packet of gelatin with one-half cup of water. Stir to dissolve the gelatin completely.

Now, use a paintbrush to apply the gelatin to the back of each picture. Allow the pictures to dry wet side
up on a piece of waxed paper.

To use your stickers, just lick the back of each one; and apply. Easy and fun!

Tips:

1. The small box of unflavored gelatin usually contains four packets – enough to make four batches of
stickers.

2. For more fun, try turning computer printables or your own artwork into stickers.

3. Stickers made from magazine pages will not be acid-free, and therefore may not be well suited to
scrapbook use.

____________________________

ONE COLOR MURALS

Choose a color you want to work with, such as red.

1. Have the children look through magazines and tear out pictures of red items (Just the red parts-and
all shades of it).

2. Have them brush red paint on butcher paper and press the magazine pieces of red on the wet paint
to create a group "red mural."

3. Repeat the activity on other days with other colors.

4. Can also do this on cardboard and modge podge over paper...I did one on a canvas and it really looks
fantastic! It's NOT just for little kids!!! TIP: This could be an on-going project. It can take awhile to gather
all the pieces of colored paper to modge podge the collage.

_________________

RAINBOW CRAYON

1. Hold three crayons together so their tips are flush against a table top.

2. Tape the crayons together to make a Rainbow Crayon. Make several of these.

3. Children can use the crayons to draw rainbows or whatever...

__________________________

PLAY DOUGH COLLAGE/SCULPTURES An idea for play dough that is getting old

Materials: Small paper plates, play dough, feathers, pipe cleaners, pony beads, cereal with a hole in
center… Directions: Give each child with a small paper plate containing a ball of play dough about the
size of a golf ball.

First of all--make play dough instead of buying it! When the play dough has begun to outgrow its
usefulness---remember this…

Have the children flatten the ball out just a bit.

Provide the children with a variety of colored feathers, pipe cleaners, google eyes, pony beads, cereal,
nature items, etc.

Some things they can do: Children can wrap the pipe cleaners around pencils or their fingers to make
spirals; thread the beads onto the pipe cleaners and stick the feathers and pipe cleaners into the play
dough.

Now, step back and watch them create some of the most interesting sculptures!!
______________________

KOOL-AID ART

1. Sprinkle Kool-aid crystals onto a piece of paper.

2. Have children spray water from a spray bottle onto the paper.

3. Use different colored kool-aid mix.

4. For added adventure, you may choose to take children out into the rain with a piece of paper that
has Kool-aid on it.

_________________________________

INSIDE OR OUTSIDE CHALK RUBBINGS

Need: Chalk or crayon and paper

Look for different and unique designs in outside surroundings.

Put several small samples on a large piece of paper by placing the paper on the object and rub across it
with the chalk.

Some ideas: Trees, pavement, patio brick designs, corrugated lawn furniture, wood siding, and tile
flooring. It would be great if there was masonry with form/design on it!

____________________

SHAVING CREAM PAINTING

Materials:
Finger-paint paper or white glossy wrapping paper

Large non-menthol aerosol can of shaving cream

Powdered tempera in old salt shakers or food coloring

Spray shaving cream on a wet paper and allow the children to sprinkle on the color of their choose.

They can experiment first with the color and then with the designs. OR...

Spray the shaving cream on a table surface, plastic placemat or cookie tray.

When each child is finished experimenting with color and shape press a paper on his or her shape.

__________________

GLASS PRINTING

Materials: Sheets of glass with protected edges or plexiglas, Liquid tempera, Brushes, Paper, Sponges,
Bowl of water

1. Let child freely paint with liquid tempera onto glass. It is a good smooth feeling.

2. When the child is finished painting, he/she may take a sheet of paper and press onto the painted glass
to create a print.

3. When child is finished, they should sponge off the glass for the next child to use. Use fresh water and
sponge.

__________________________________

BLEEDING ART

Materials: Paper, tissue paper, spray bottles, water

Cut tissue paper into desired shapes.

Fill bottles with water.

1. Have children place tissue paper on other paper and spray with water.

2. Remove tissue paper to see how it bled and created designs on the construction paper.
________________________

MASKING TAPE ART

Materials: Shiny finger-paint paper

Masking tape,

Watercolor paints

Brushes

Small containers of water

Have children put pieces of masking tape on their paper in any design.

Children paint their entire paper with watercolors.

When the papers are dry, help the children carefully pull off the tape. The white lines that appear will
separate the colors, creating interesting designs.

______________________

SOAP CARVING: Only children who can use a butter knife confidently should do this activity, and always
with adult supervision. Using CAKES OF SOAP (Ivory works well) and butter knives---carve and whittle
different masterpieces. When you have finished carving wet the soap slightly and rub it with your fingers
to smooth it out more. Paint your soap if you want when you are finished or just leave it as it is.

_______________________

MELTED MOBILES

Materials: Crayons, knife for crayon shavings, an iron, paper, newspaper, waxed paper, scissors, string.

1. Shave crayons onto waxed paper.

2. Arrange the colors by pushing them into place.

3. Lay a piece of string at the top.

4. Cover with another piece of waxed paper.

5. Lay newspaper over both and press with a warm iron.

6. When wax cools, cut the waxed paper pressings into a shape you like, and hang it up.

_______________________

COLLAGE ART (It's not just for kids!!!)

1. Cut out pictures, patterns, or shapes, then arrange them on a sheet of cardboard or heavy paper.

2. Make interesting combinations by overlapping or rotating your collage snippets.

3. When you have everything in the perfect spot, carefully paste each picture to the backing.

4. Once your collage is dry, you can decorate it with markers, crayons, or pencils.

____________________________________

MAKE YOUR OWN DOT TO DOT PICTURES

On a sheet of plain paper make a dot to dot picture for the kids. It might be a simple heart or ball shape
or as elaborate as a house or animal.

You can trace the shape from many coloring books, then just place dots about 1 inch apart and number.

Older kids do this a lot for the younger!

___________________

OUTDOORS…INVITE CHILDREN TO PAIR UP AND SIT BACK TO BACK so they can each see a different part
of the grounds. In silence, have them spend 2-5 minutes carefully drawing what they see. When done,
give them a few minutes to share their drawings and tell their partners about two or three things they
saw.

__________________________

PAINTING WITH WATER...

When it's warm enough outside, it's fun to "paint with water" on sidewalks and rocks...Also inside on
chalkboards (NO paint--just water) It's great for younger kids to practice writing!!!

Also, try painting with a tiny brush and water on the lines of a drawing done with washable markers.

It bleeds the "marker- marks".

You can use a Q-tip instead of a brush, to help control "over watering" the art.

______________________

MARSHMALLOW & TOOTHPICK SCULPTURES

Advise this for ages 7 and up...You Need:

Small marshmallows, toothpicks

1. Kids make a marshmallow sculpture by sticking toothpicks into marshmallows and building up from a
base.

2. Advise youth to make a square base-- by sticking 4 toothpicks into 4 marshmallows; Children then
build their sculpture up from there.

3. Ask kids to try to build up and not have their sculpture lay flat on the table. (Although the younger the
child the flatter the sculpture will be.
An Extension of this idea:

Soak dried peas over night to be used as joints in the sculpture. The peas soften for the construction and
then harden like tiny concrete balls as they dry.

_________________________

BEAN MOSAICS

Materials:

Glue, paintbrushes, cardboard or any sturdy backing, dry beans (kidney, black beans, peas, lentils etc.) of
different colors and sizes, pencils

1. Draw a simple shape or figure on the cardboard. Keep the details down to a minimum. Simple is good
for this project.

2. Paint glue in a small portion of the design. Note: Do not use too much glue if your cardboard is not
sturdy. It will curl.

3. Place beans of different colors in the portion with glue.

4. Repeat for the entire picture.

5. The result is quite beautiful and the children will have a piece of art they are proud to display.

_________________________

SEED MOSAIC IN A LID

Need: Plastic tub lids, Glue, Assorted dry beans, peas, seeds, popcorn, etc.

1. Have children spread a layer of glue inside the tops of their plastic lids.

2. Have them place dry beans, seeds, etc. on the glue to create mosaic designs.
_______________

EASY SEED COLLAGE

Need: Cardboard, glue, dry spaghetti paste, seeds such as corn-beans --squash -peas - lentils, etc.

1. Sort each seed type into its own bowl or saucer.

2. Start by spreading glue on a small area of the cardboard.

3. Then set seeds into the glue, making your own arrangement.

________________________

WAXED PAPER COLLAGE

Materials: Waxed paper, old wax crayons, a variety of small paper shapes

1. Put out sheets of waxed paper, wax side-up for children.

2. Fold the paper in half and then unfold. Have kids arrange some small paper shapes on one half of the
paper.

3. Have kids grate the crayons on top of their paper design.

4. When done--fold the other half of the paper --- back on top of the collage.

5. Next---lay a cotton cloth on top of the paper and iron across the cloth. The heat should melt the
crayon pieces and fuse them to the wax on the paper. The finished collage can then be cut into shapes
and hung on windows to catch the light.

__________________

CRAYON MOSAICS

Use a cheese grater to grate old or broken crayons.

Place the crayon shavings in a container.

Give each of the children a sheet of clear, self-stick paper with the backing removed.

Have the children sprinkle crayon shavings onto the sticky side of their self-stick paper.

As each child finishes, place a second sheet of clear, self-stick paper on top of the first.
Cut the children’s Crayon Mosaics into one or more flower shapes or whatever shape they want.

Hang the shapes in your windows.

___________________________________

THINK ABOUT MOBILES...

Children love to display their art work, and a mobile is a wonderful way to do it.

A coat hanger makes an excellent base, and is particularly easy to hang when the project is complete.

Have children decide what they'd like to display on their mobiles. Paper birds or fish they've decorated
and colored brightly? Paper Snowflakes? Hearts? Sun, Moon and Stars? Maybe they want to cut out the
letters of their names in construction paper.

As long as the items are balanced evenly on the hanger, almost anything can be used.

Clear fishing line, yarn, or even twine can be used to hang the objects from the bottom of the coat
hanger.

Tie each string securely to prevent the items from falling off, and then display from the ceiling or
window.

_________________

GRAVEL MOSAICS

Need:

• Large Cardboard (could be from cereal box, gift box) about 12” x 13”

• Interesting small pieces of gravel (You will need quite a bit)

• String or Yarn

• Pencil

• Simple Coloring Book or personal drawing

• White glue in squeeze bottle

• Scissors

• Crayons (optional)

1. Wash and rinse the gravel (a kitchen colander helps)…Spread out on towels to dry.

2. On the cardboard, use the pencil to make an outline of a simple drawing. (Try not to be too detailed)
3. With glue, trace over the outline.

4. Press string or yard onto the glue lines, cutting where necessary to form corners and angles.

5. Glue gravel onto the picture ---filling the spaces. You can use all one color, or use different colors for
different areas.

6. If you wish to have a background, use crayons to draw and color one in.

________________

FLOATING ART

Cut construction paper into desired shapes (Can be seasonal or holiday shapes)

Fill a plastic dishpan with water.

Have the children help grate various colors of chalk into powder.

Let each child choose 2 or 3 colors of chalk and sprinkle the powder on top of the water.

Next have children float a sheet of paper on top of the water to absorb the chalk design.

Hang the shapes on a line or lay flat to dry.

For variation use India ink on top of the water instead of chalk.

Swirl to make a design, then lay the paper on the water's surface to absorb the design.

__________________________

CONNECT THE DOTS ART...

1. Using the end opposite the bristles on a paintbrush, dip it in tempera paint.

2. Make dots around the paper.

3. Then use paints or markers to draw lines to connect the dots.

4. COLOR in the spaces.

________________________________
STRING PAINTING

1. Dip various types and lengths of string and yarn into paint and then drag them across a piece of
paper.

2. Compare the effect created when you drag the string across wet paper.

3. Dab paint on another piece of paper, fold and pull a piece of string through the paint.

_______________________

CONDENSED MILK PAINTING (Example made by Pre-K children)

(EAGLE BRAND--NOT EVAPORATED MILK)

Can of condensed milk

Food coloring

Finger-paint paper

Pour condensed milk on finger-paint paper add drops of food coloring.

Use red, blue and yellow and put a drop of red near blue and red near yellow, blue near yellow and then
with one finger draw through the colors and condensed milk.

You can talk about starting with 3 colors and having 5 when finished.

Anytime during the activity the children can stop and "lick" their fingers.

Young children can do this project. With smaller children you should use one color and they can use
both hands. They'll think it is really fun!

________________________________
COLOR AND LIGHT WINDOW ART

Need:

Wax paper

Tissue paper

Glue diluted with water

String

1. Paint the wax paper with the glue and water mixture.

2. Lay pieces of tissue paper on the glue, in whatever pattern and color you wish.

3. Lay the second piece of wax paper over the first and smooth.

4. Attach string to hang your stained glass in a window and let the sun shine through!

____________________

RACEWAY PAINTING

1. Cover table with newspaper or plastic tablecloth.

2. Have children place small amounts of tempera paint on their paper--in one or more colors.

3. Using the car, have children "drive" the car all over the paper. (Small Die-cast cars and trucks - such
as Hot Wheels).

4. While running the tires through the paint, they'll create "car tracks" and blend the paints together.

5. Continue with the design until they feel they are finished....Dry. You'll get some very interesting art...

6. More fun! Fill buckets with soapy water-- have "a car wash" when done painting!

______________________

DRAW OR PAINT HALF A PICTURE

One half paintings are fun.

Cut a big picture out of a magazine...a photo of an animal or a person or any colorful object works best.

Then cut that photo right down the middle.

Glue the half-photo onto a sheet of paper, then draw and paint the other half.

This also makes a fun project to do with a friend.

Each of you paints half of the same photo...you do the right side while your friend does the left.

After your paintings are dry, remove the magazine photos and glue your two half-paintings together to
make one, complete, teamwork painting! It's a wild effect, especially with faces.

Source: kidsart.com

_______________________

FOIL PICTURE

Materials:

Card stock

Rice

Lentils

string

Foil

Shoe polish

Glue

Directions:

1. Spread glue on a any size card-stock or post card.

2. Sprinkle on the rice and string, etc. You may try to form a picture if you like.

3. Cover with foil and press down gently.

4. Rub over lightly with polish.

5. This gives a very similar effect to that of brass rubbings!

__________________________
BIO COLOR BUBBLE ART (Directions directly from Discount School Supply) In this order,

First mix approximately ¼ cup BioColor® paint to 1 scoop (included in can) into a large container. Stir the
mixture.

Add ¼ cup warm water and stir.

In a smaller size paint or Dixie cup, fill approximately ¼” full with BioColor®, bubble powder and water
mixture.

Place paint with BioColor® Bubble Mixture in middle of a sheet of paper.

Place a long straw in the cup and blow. Colorful bubbles will overflow onto the paper creating beautiful
art.

Do not oversaturate paper with bubbles.

If bubbles begin to slow down, add small amounts of water into paint cup to keep the action going!

Make as many different colors as you want.

You can also place a piece of paper over the top of the bubble and get very cool effects as well.

_______________________________________________

ART TIPS:

INSTEAD OF BRUSHES--PAINT WITH THESE... (MORE 'ART IDEAS' ON PAGE 2)

Squeeze bottles

Eyedroppers

Fly swatters

Roll-on deodorant bottles

Bingo dabbers/markers

Spray bottles

Marbles

Spoons and forks

String

Cooked spaghetti noodles

Yarn

Bark

Combs

Brushes

Tooth brushes (Flick the bristles)

Feathers

Ice

Foods

Cotton balls

Q-tips

Soapless scouring pads

Sponges

Shoe polish applicators

Pipe cleaners

Items from nature with a flat side: shells, rocks, leaves, twigs, branches, etc.

Bottle caps

Jar lids

Crumpled Saran wrap

Corn cobs

Koosh balls

Balloons

Plastic animals (feet)

Toy cars (roll the wheels through paint)

Bubble wrap

Candy "Peeps" in Spring

Hands, fingers, arms, toes, feet

Etc., etc.
__________

TIP: Start collecting PAPER TOWEL TUBES to transport art! When children have something they want to
transport without wrinkling, tubes work great! The tubes can be decorated with paint, markers, glitter,
stickers, construction paper and crayons. Roll their pictures up and put inside to take home or to class.
This also works to get homework "projects" back and forth.

____________

TIP: MAKE AN ART PALLETE

Glue several milk caps to the inside of the plastic lid. When painting...fill each lid with a different color.

_____________

TIP: PIZZA BOX ART PORTFOLIO

Ask your local pizza shops to donate some unused pizza boxes for your program. (You may need to
contact several to get one for each child)They may charge you a quarter per box. Each child can
decorate the box & write their name on it. CHILDREN'S ART WORK WILL BE SAVED--AND BOXES STACK
NEATLY...

At times, if a purchased pizza is immediately removed from the box--the box may be clean enough to
recycle!

_________________

TIP: PRESERVING CHALK DRAWINGS...

Children love to color with chalk, but their pictures can be ruined if the chalk smears. Protect children´s
creations by coating them lightly with hair spray.

___________________

ELEVEN THINGS TO COLLECT FOR COLLAGE ART... (Some really do make nice works of art such as this
sample image is made from vacation bits!)
1. Torn up bits of old paintings and drawings you don't want to keep.

2. Labels from boxes, cans, candy bars and bottles (Soak them off then dry them). 3. Used postage
stamps, especially from all over the world.

4. Shiny Mylar foil balloons that have gone flat.

5. Short pieces of string, yarn, thread, twine, ribbon and lace (Short pieces...don't keep too much).

6. Words cut out of magazine headlines and ads.

7. Maps.

8. Broken jewelry.

9. Seeds from flowers, kitchen spices, leftover garden stuff.

10. Used tickets from shows and sports events.

11. Things you can glue--- collected from trips/vacations.

___________________________

Go to Page 2 for more wonderful Art Ideas! Display Walls also there!

Click here for creative paint and coloring recipes!

Return to top of page!

_____________________________________

Tags: art ideas, kids, art activities, children's art, fun, creative, painting, texture, children

Categories: Art: 40 Paint & Coloring Recipes | Art: 70 Art Activities | Art: Activities Page 2

Actions: E-mail | Comments (0)

Art Activities Page 2

June 9, 2009 03:47 by Barbara Shelby

We have so many wonderful ideas (now up to 80!) that we moved into page 2!

FLY SWATTER PAINTING: Fly swatters dipped in a paint filled Styrofoam meat tray leaves a lovely
patterned effect on the paper when the children hit it... Children really like this activity. Caution: Wear
T-shirt cover-ups; use washable paint & do it outside!!!!

_______________________

INDIVIDUAL ABSTRACT ART (Blow Painting)

1. Mix up runny paint in one color or different colors.

2. Drop several large dollops onto paper.

3. Then, using a straw, have the children blow the paint into lines and squiggles so all the colors mix and
overlap.

If you like, you can leave as is or turn your shape into anything you want!

__________________

Blow Paintings Display Wall

A bright and colorful display, showing children's wonderful blow painting work. Contributed by Mona
Kawra at Display Photos

_______________________________

SPIDER PAINTING (Similar to 'to the Abstarct Art' above-but wet into wet technique)

Need watercolor paints, #7 soft-bristle brush, container of water, small sponge, paper towel, paint cloth,
straw

•Make one side of the paper wet with the sponge.

•Fill the brush with one color of paint and drop a small amount of paint on the paper.

•Blow through the straw---the drop of paint around the paper.

•Blow in several directions by moving the paper around.

•Repeat the steps many times--using related colors--that will blend and make "other" colors.

•When it's dry, you can outline shapes with a black line brush or black crayon......or....cover the paper
with a wash of one or more colors.

_________________________

BLOTTO ART Ages 4-10

There is no right way a blotto should turn out. Blottos are much like a snowflake --- no two will ever be
the same.

You Need:

Paper- any kind-but the thicker the better

Water-based paint (watercolor, tempera, poster paint)

Scissors

Glue

A number of paper squares and rectangles in various sizes. 5"x 5", 7" x8", 3"x2", etc.
Crease each paper square in the middle so that later you can fold them easily.

Sprinkle a few drops of paint onto one side of the crease.

Fold the paper on the creased line with the paint inside. Press down with your hand.

When the paper is opened, interesting shapes will appear.

Work with the blottos and arrange them into a larger picture, allowing whatever comes into your mind
to take over.

Glue the blottos down onto a larger paper to create a big blotto work of art!

From: kinderart.com

_________________________

BLINDFOLD PAINTING

Put a blindfold over children's eyes. Have child then feel the brushes, paper and area before starting.
Children then paint without seeing what they are doing. It's suggested to do this with small groups at a
time.

_____________________________

MELTED CRAYON CREATIONS: Need: 9"x12" or 12"x19" white paper, pieces of old crayons-- an iron,
water color paints, #12 soft-bristle paint brush, container of water, paper towel, paint cloth and pad of
newspapers

Fold white paper in half width-wise.

Open the folded white paper and lay it flat on the working surface.

With any old grater, grate the crayons into very small pieces.

Sprinkle the grated crayons on one side of the white paper. Crayon pieces can be spread randomly or in
specific areas of pattern.

Fold the other half of the paper over onto the crayon side.

Put this on the pad of newspapers. You're ready to iron it with a warm iron.

Open it immediately after ironing so the halves do not stick together.

You can now use these crayon lines to make designs/accent lines or things such as butterflies or bugs.
(Drawing around the melted crayons)

When complete, paint a watercolor wash over the entire surface of the picture using one or more
colors.

____________________________

PAINT WITH COTTON BALLS

Materials: Spring-type clothespins, cotton balls, paint, small containers, paper, tape

Preparation: Pour paint into small containers. Tape paper to table. Clip a cotton ball to the end of each
clothespin.

Using the clothespins as handles, have the children dip the cotton balls into paint and then spread it on
their papers.

Tip: When the cotton balls start to get stringy from too much paint, replace them with fresh ones.

__________________________________

COTTON BALL ART

Materials: Cotton balls, Powdered tempera, Paper, Water, Bowls, Brushes

1. Give each child a piece of paper.

2. Using cotton balls, draw or dab on the paper with dry tempera.

3. After completing the dry tempera drawing, have each child paint the entire paper using water and a
brush.

4. Let the children experiment with this medium. Colors will combine and change right before their eyes.

___________________________

PAINTED GLASS..using powder tempera

Windows...Give children's imagination a workout with this simple paint mixture that turns any large-
paned window into a canvas for their art masterpieces

1. Take 2 parts liquid dishwashing detergent to 1 part powdered tempera paint and blend until creamy.

2. Mix up several colors and let them paint right on the window.

3. Be sure to cover the floor if painting indoors - so it washes up with a sponge and water.

Sample window is creation of Moremomtime

___________

___________________________________

WINDOW PAINT RECIPE #2... using liquid tempera

For this Snoman scene...KidActivities mixed equal parts of liquid tempera paint with liquid dishwashing
soap. The mixture is a little watery...so be sure to cover floors and have paper toweling nearby. The
drips of paint wipe up easily.

The 'snowman' was made with a circular motion of the brush. The other parts (hat, stick arms, scarf,
facial features) of the scene were used with a stippling effect of the brush. As above...be sure each color
dries before you paint over the first.

The snowflakes on the window were used by simply placing a finger in the paint and lightly touching to
the glass. To prevent dripping, be sure not to use too much paint on the brushes or the fingers. (Image
by KidActivities.net)
NAIL BOARD DESIGNS

Have an adult or older child hammer nails into a piece of wood in a random design, pattern, rows or
circles. The more nails the more creative the children can be. The child can then take the bands and/or
string and hook them over the nails to create interesting patterns and designs.

Materials: Nails, Wood, Hammer, String or rubber bands

________

PERSONALITY HANDS (Who says handprint art is only for very young children! This project proves
differently!

Materials: 12x18" white paper, sharpie, markers, scissors, black paper

First trace hands 6 - 8 times on a sheet of 12x18" white paper.

Using a marker, draw patterns, symbols, shapes, etc. that reflect your personality. Problem solving is
part of this project, as youth must decide how to incorporate the overlapping fingers.

Color the negative space in between the fingers black, and anywhere it will be difficult to get to with
scissors.

Cut out around the outside of the hands and glue on black paper. Samples by Whitney and Jimmy, 5th
Grade-students of Art teacher Michal Austin in Kansas

_________________

PICTURE TRANSFERS
Supplies: Paint brush, undiluted evaporated milk, comic sections (or magazines), spoon

1. Dip paint brush in evaporated milk and lightly paint over the desired pictures from a magazine or
comic.

2. Quickly cover this painted area with a blank piece of paper and rub the paper firmly with the back
part of a spoon.

3. Just like magic the picture has transferred to the clean paper in clear detail!

____________________________

OUTSIDE CHALK RUBBINGS

Need Chalk or crayon and paper

Send the kids out to look for different and unique designs in their surroundings. Have them put several
small samples on a large piece of paper by placing the paper on the object and rub across it with the
chalk.

Here are some ideas to give them:

• Trees, pavement, patio brick designs, corrugated lawn furniture, wood siding, and tile flooring.

• It would be great if there was masonary with form/design on it!

_________________________________________

PAINTING OUTSIDE...

KOOSH BALL, FLY SWATTER AND 'WHATEVER' PAINTING

Hang a long piece of bulletin board paper on your outside fence. Place pans of paint and Koosh balls,
blown up balloons and fly swatters on the ground. (Good idea to place all on a plastic drop cloth of some
type)

Encourage the children to throw, swat and stamp the paper! If possible have the children do this
activity in the bathing suits so you can hose them off when they are done.

This sample is from an outside summer birthday party--it's also great fun if there is a toddler or two
visiting. One two year old--spent most of 2 hours walking back and forth dipping a balloon bottom in
the paint and stamping! (Image by KidActivities.net)

______________________________

YARN BOWL

1. Blow up a balloon to the size of your choice. Place the ballon on a bowl.

2. Cut strands of yarn 12 and more inches long.(The heavier the yarn the better)

3. Soak the yarn in a bowl of white glue. When thoroughly drenched, lift the yarn from bowl and sqeeze
the excess glue between finger and thumb.

4. Place the yarn and cover only half of the balloon layering and overlapping the pieces (whichever
direction you choose.)

5. Continue doing this until an entire half of the balloon is covered in yarn. Leave the upper half of the
balloon bare.

6. The yarn will take 24 to 48 hours to dry. When completely dry--break the balloon. You now have a
wonderful lacy bowl to hold ribbons, scarves or whatever!

Tips: This bowl can also be made using liquid startch instead of glue; however, I have not made one
using starch. Alos, instead of a balloon, a bowl or ball may also be used as the form. However, the
balloon is the easiest to remove the bowl, once it has dried... Photographs courtesy of artist and teacher
Shannon Stewart (Formerly of Stetson Hills School-Phoenix, AZ.)
_________________________________

MAKE A CRAYON AND PAINT PICTURE

1. Draw a scene (such as a beach) on a piece of paper using crayons.

2. Lightly color in the blue sky, the light brown sand, and the bright beach towels and umbrellas.

3. Now recolor the picture using watercolor paints. Use blue paint over the blue crayon, light brown
paint over the light brown crayon, and the same paint colors over the bright beach towels and
umbrellas. Let the paint dry.

_________________

TESSELLATION PICTURE

1. Draw a grid of nine squares (the first picture has 16) on a piece of drawing paper. On the left side of
one square, draw a curvy line. Repeat that same line on the left side of each square.

2. Now draw a different curvy line at the top of the first square. Then draw the curvy line at the top of
each remaining square. Take a look at the squares to see what the shape is starting to look like.

3. Fill in more lines to create a shape, repeating the same line in each square. Each line creates part of
the next square's design. When you are done, you should have the same shape in each square. Color in
your design using colored pencils. (Samples are courtesy of the fourth grade class of Shannon Stewart)

_________

TAKE A DRAWING BREAK!

Have 5-10 minutes to kill?

Have Kids...

Draw their shoe..... Draw their lunch..... Draw their teacher..... Draw a friend..... Draw their hand holding
something..... Draw a small object big..... Draw a car..... Draw a dream..... Draw a nightmare..... Draw a
leaf..... Draw themself.....

__________

FISH WEAVING

Children weave on paper plates which are joined together to make the scales of a fish.

Photograph of Display Wall is by Lisa Tregellas at Display Photos

__________________

POTATO PRINTS ... Cut a potato in half and cut a shape on one of the cut ends, creating a stamp. The
shape can be carved simply--- or more intricately by placing gouges within the shape for more detail.
Paint the shape a bright color and press it on paper as a stamp, to make a print. Several similar prints
can be made with the same shape cut on the potato.
_______________

PRINT WITH OTHER FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Try corn, strawberries, pears, cucumbers, radishes, oranges, carrots, beans, lemon, cauliflower, pepper,
avocado, mushroom, bunched cabbage, bunched celery, and apples!

Materials:

Paint

Flat pan for Paint, Fruits and Vegetables

Paper towels for drying fruit and vegetables

Newspapers, cloth or paper for printing. Directions: Cut fruits and vegetables. Dip them in paint and
print. That's it!

(Directions for cabbage image is in Valentine Arts and Crafts Category...Apple Print is in middle of the
page of Apple Theme.)

___________

USING PUFFY WHITE PAINT

... Wonderful for Snow and Snowmen in the Winter... or Clouds, Sails, and White Caps on Ocean Waves
in the Summer!
Materials:

White glue

Shaving cream

Paper

Paintbrush

Measure equal parts white glue and shaving cream.

Mix the two ingredients together. It should be very thick and fluffy.

In the winter --it's perfect for making a Snowman, top of a Santa Christmas Stocking or a Winter
Snowdrift scene! In warm weather it's perfect for fluffy white clouds and 'white caps' on big ocean
waves such as in KidActivities image.

The texture is interesting. When dry-it feels much like foam and stays three dimentional. Image by
KidActivities.net

_______

This is page 2--Back to Page 1 of Art Ideas!

__________________________

Tags: art, kids, blow painting, spider painting, window painting

Categories: Art: 70 Art Activities | Art: Activities Page 2

Actions: E-mail | Comments (0)