Raise your hand if you sometimes let a distaste for messes get in the way of trying out fun activities… ✋✋✋ I place a very high value on creativity, so I always pictured myself as the kind of mom who would provide ample opportunities for artistic ideas to unfold. But in reality, I find that cleaning up little messes all day makes me feel less-than-excited about doing things that would create even bigger messes.
However, my artistic ways are winning over and I’m slowly letting go of the expectation that things should always be tidy and perfect. Now that my son is 2.5 years old and mostly through the eating-crayons phase, I figured we should start making art a part of our routine. I found something that worked perfectly for us, with easy clean-up and colorful results, so I thought I’d share.
The Perfect Low-Mess Painting Project for Little Artists
Materials:
- Paper- Any kind, really, but we used marker and watercolor paper.
- Washable Paint- I used Watercolor Magic, but any washable liquid paint would work.
- Paintbrushes
- Table covering- Protect your work surface using newspaper, an old tablecloth, cardboard, or a cut-up paper bag.
- Tape (optional)
- Stickers (optional)
- Smock or play clothes
Instructions:
- Prepare your work surface. Protect your table by laying down newspaper or whatever you have on hand. I used a paper grocery bag taped to the table, then taped the marker paper on top of that, which kept everything in place even if the art session got really active (which, of course, it did).
- If you like, you can put some stickers on the paper before painting to make your picture a little more fancy or create a scene.
- Give your child a paintbrush and explain how to use it to spread paint onto the paper. Drop some of the liquid paint onto the paper and let your child brush it around. Dropping the paint directly onto the paper kept things fairly neat, for us.
- Once you’ve painted with one color, allow your child to choose a different color. We kept going this way until my son declared his work of art complete.
- Cleanup is super easy for this project- just rinse the paint brushes and put away your supplies.
Allow the paint to dry, then proudly display your new artwork! These are great to give away to family because they are bright, cheerful, and quick to make. My little artist usually cranks out 3-5 paintings each time we do this.
Other Tips for Making Art with Littles:
- Rather than telling young kids what NOT to do, remind them of what they SHOULD be doing. A young child’s brain has not yet developed the ability to control impulses, so focus on the desired behavior and don’t give them any bad ideas. Instead of “Don’t paint on the table,” you might say, “Make sure the paint stays on the paper,” for example.
- If you have any white crayons laying around, you can add an extra step to this project by drawing some designs with white crayon before you begin painting. The crayon marks will resist the paint, leaving fun designs on your project. Older kids might even enjoy making secret messages!
- When using watercolor cakes with young children, buy a cheap set (Crayola makes some that are inexpensive but surprisingly vibrant, and I’ve also seen watercolors at the dollar store). Then don’t worry about the colors getting mixed up, and let your young artist go wild.
- If you can get your child to wear a smock- that’s awesome! My kid refuses. He will, however, let me slip an old T-shirt over his head with no problem. 😉
What kind of stress-free artsy things do you like to do with kids? I’d love to hear your ideas!
Bedtime for Chickies by Janee Trasler – Cheep along with the chickies while they resist bedtime, as little ones are known to do. I’ve had great experiences with this one, in busy childcare centers and during quiet moments at home with my own little chick.
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter – Comical and interactive, this book allows children to be part of the story. It shows that when you don’t follow the rules, things can get a little out of hand.
Hooray for Hat by Brian Won – An early introduction to good and bad moods, and how friends can help brighten your day. It also models good sharing.
Making Faces: A First Book of Emotions from Abrams Appleseed books – Facial expressions and body language are the focal point in this book, which is illustrated with real photos of cute kids. There’s even a mirror on the last page so babies can practice their own facial expressions!
Crash Boom: A Math Tale by Robie H. Harris – This brief story uses building blocks to illustrate basic math concepts such as counting and comparisons. Little ones love it when the tower goes Crash BOOM!
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin – A sweet story that encourages young children to find their place in the world. I love reading this one to my son because of the reassurance that, no matter who he becomes, he is special and loved.
Breathe by Scott Magoon – The calming effect this book has on young children is astonishing! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the simple text is a great way to teach little ones how to pause for a deep breath.
Did You Eat the Parakeet? by Mark Iacolina – Read this one in a sneaky, suspicious voice for added giggles! Your child will love helping you solve the mystery of where the parakeet might have gone.
That’s Not My Puppy by Fiona Watt – Perfect for curious little hands, this series by Usborne Books is a staple in many households. Each page contains a different texture for baby to explore. We also love That’s Not My Bee, but there are many similar titles to choose from.
Little Owl’s Night by Divya Srinivasan – A beautifully worded story featuring a young owl and other forest animals. Read it in a soft voice when your little one is in a snuggly mood.
Time for a Hug By Phillis Gershator – While the concept of time is difficult for this age group, this book breaks it down like a counting game. Make sure to give a good squeeze every time the phrase “Time for a hug!” is repeated.
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon – This is one of those feel-good books that will appeal to the grown-ups, too. It’s a summary of what life is all about; the good days, the bad days, and the love that ties us all together.
Where’s the Hen by Nosy Crow books – There are tons of great lift-the-flap books on the market, but these include durable felt flaps that won’t get crumpled and torn with use. There are over a dozen books in this series, featuring different animals and themes.
Duck and Goose Find a Pumpkin by Tad Hills – Turn this book into a guessing game, and you’re almost guaranteed to have an enthralled audience. Be prepared to read it again, and again, and again…
Thank You Bees by Toni Yuly – Teach your child the basics of the natural world, combined with an important lesson in gratitude. This one is great for participation since every other page provides an opportunity to say a heartfelt “Thank You!”
Wonderworks 