Fun Painting Ideas with Kids
It’s not just about poster paint and paper! Did you know there are all kinds of painting projects and creative ideas that you can do with kids? From edible paints to scratch and sniff, there are so many ways you can paint with kids. And the cool thing is, you can do them indoors – perfect for bad weather days.
Here are some ideas.
1. Bread Paint
This is a fun one that works best with white bread that’s a bit dry (so leave out a slice or two overnight before doing this craft). Here’s what you’ll need:
* Dry bread slices
* Milk (or milk substitute)
* Food coloring
* Paintbrush (buy a new one and dedicate it to edible craft use only)
* Several small cups or bowls
Put a few tablespoons of milk into each bowl or cup. Then add food coloring to make the colors you want. Paint the bread slices. When they are finished, try toasting the painted bread – the colors get more intense.
2. Scratch and Sniff
Remember scratch and sniff books as a child? You can make your own scented artwork by mixing powdered drink mix (unsweetened) with a few tablespoons of water, so the color is more concentrated. Mix in small containers or jars so you can save the leftovers. The paint is like watercolor but a bit more intense in color. Try painting pictures of fruits to match the fruity scent!
3. Painted Rocks
Go rock gathering with your kids and find smooth stones of various sizes. Then paint them! Sources suggest using paint pens or paint markers instead of craft paint and brushes, but either will work. You can add embellishments with hot glue and beads, buttons, and other sundries.
4. Spaghetti Painting
Not sure what to do with those leftover cooked spaghetti noodles? Create a piece of art! Here’s what you’ll need:
* Cooked spaghetti
* Acrylic craft paint
* White glue
* Wax paper
* Scissors
* Bowls and plastic spoons
* Baking sheet
Place the wax paper on the baking sheet; set aside. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon glue with 1 tablespoon paint. Use bowls and paint/glue mixes for as many colors as you want. Add the spaghetti noodles to the bowls and “stir” with your hands until the noodles are coated with paint. Then, take a strand at a time of the colored spaghetti and arrange it on the wax paper in fun designs. Allow the noodles to dry for 24 hours or so, then remove your 3-D painting from the wax paper.