The vibrant colors, squishy texture and creative possibilities make paint a popular art technique for young kids. Tempera paint is a common choice for kids because it is safe and washes easily. It adheres to many surfaces and lends itself well to the use of many different painting tools. Paintbrushes and fingers are fun options for kids, but other items around the home offer different techniques and artistic results in kids art projects.
Food Painting Tools
Food isn't the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of children's art projects. But many edible items create distinct results when combined with paint. Consider these food painting tool options for future art projects.
- Dry pasta: Pasta is available in a variety of shapes, from tubes to kids characters. When dipped into tempera paint, the pasta becomes a stamp of sorts which allows kids to make fun designs on paper. Gluing the painted pasta pieces onto the paper after the paint is dry adds depth to the artwork as well.
- Cooked spaghetti noodles: This option adds a fun twist to using pasta for art. Cooked spaghetti noodles are dipped into paint and swirled around on a piece of paper. The kids get the tactile experience of playing with the noodles while experimenting with the resulting pictures.
- Apples: Slice an apple in half to create a simple painting tool. A craft stick placed in the rounded side of the apple creates a handle for the kids. Dip the cut side of the apple in the paint and stamp it onto the paper.
- Potato stamps: Potatoes provide another solid surface for stamping. Cut a potato in half and cut out a design from the cut side. This creates a raised stamp that is dipped into paint and stamped onto the paper.
Nature Painting Tools
Mother Nature provides her own painting tools that work well for young children. Ideas include:
- Leaves: A layer of paint spread onto leaves creates fun designs. Put the paint on the side with the raised veins for the most unique results.
- Sticks: Sticks of all sizes can take the place of traditional paintbrushes.
- Pebbles: Small pebbles dipped in paint and bounced around on a piece of paper create fun artwork.
Household Items as Painting Implements
Looking around the house yields more options for painting tools useful in art for kids. Use these ideas as a starting point:
- Cotton balls
- Q-tips
- String
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Toy cars: Dip the wheels in paint and drive it along the paper.
- Kitchen sponges
Nearly any object can add a twist to traditional painting crafts for kids. Experimenting with different painting tools creates new works of art and expands the creativity of the kids involved. Encourage the youngsters to find their own painting tools for endless art fun.
