IMPORTANT NOTE: Magnets can be dangerous. A responsible adult MUST supervise this activity. Magnets can be harmful when ingested. If a child ingests a magnet, seek medical help immediately. NEVER allow children to use magnets without appropriate adult supervision. 

Magnet painting is a fun activity for kids who need a change of pace from the same-old, same-old or when you want to merge a science lesson with an art project. If you have a child who is not naturally drawn to artistic pursuits, painting with magnets may be just the activity to spark their creativity!

This is an open-ended, easy STEAM project that doesn't require much preparation, and encourages kids to think outside the box. It's also a great indoor activity when you need a quick boredom buster!

Note: as an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Magnet Painting Instructions

Although this project calls for a special type of magnet, you likely have all the other materials at home already.

Materials

• Tray
• Paper
• Paint in several colors (we like the convenience of washable paint)
• Small bowls for paint
• Spoons (optional)
• Metal objects such as washers, bolts, hinges, etc.
• Magnet wand. We actually used a large magnet we bought at a hardware store. However, I recommend a magnet wand like to one we used for our magnet I-Spy jar. The wand is easier for little hands to use than a plain magnet.

How To:

Place paper on tray. Tape the paper to the tray if needed. You can use whatever size tray you have, or even a piece of sturdy cardboard. Clip or tape the paper to the cardboard.

Squeeze out paint into bowls and drop metal objects into paint.

Using a spoon or fingers, coat metal objects with paint and place on the tray.

Hold the magnet wand to the bottom side of the tray. Using its magnetic force, glide the paint-covered metal objects across the paper.

Kids will have fun using the magnetic force to explore how the moving objects paint the paper and create one of a kind designs.

Extra-strong magnets will often attract all the hardware into a group! However, that is part of the scientific experiment portion of the art project!

When your child is satisfied with their design, remove paper from tray and place to the side so it can dry. Then, make a new piece of art with a fresh sheet of paper!

MORE: Science art project for kids

Variation

Use this science art project to explore textures. Instead of a tray, use corrugated cardboard. Gliding the painted hardware across the paper with the magnet wand produces an interesting texture.

As an alternative to dropping the metal objects into bowls of paint. Try squeezing a small amount of paint directly onto the paper. Then, use the magnet want to move the pieces through the paint.

The post Painting with Magnets: Amazing Science Art Project appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

We loved painting with marbles because it was an interesting break from more traditional paint and brush art projects. It's an excellent activity for kids who aren't inclined towards drawing work.

The focus of the project is on the creative process the the exploration of the science of motion. Painting with marbles is definitely a science art project and will entice kids to engage in a screen-free, creative activity!

Materials

First, gather the materials so everything is ready to go, go, go!

What you need:

• a container of some sort with high sides. We used a cake pan and an old pyrex baking dish. You can also upcyle a cardboard box, which will eliminate cleaning!
• pieces of paper, white or colored that fit snugly inside your chosen containers
• marbles, any number
• paint, preferably in two or more colors. We used black and white paint for contrast, but you can choose whatever colors you wish. I recommend washable paint.
• small bowls for the paint. A muffin tin will also work.
• spoons (optional)
• paper towels for messy fingers

Painting with Marbles Instructions

First, place a sheet of paper into the baking tray or box. Squeeze paint into separate bowls.

Next, drop one marble into each bowl of paint and stir it around so that it is covered in paint.

Some kids do not like to get their hands messy and will prefer to fish the marble out of the paint with a spoon. Others will enjoy the mess and reach right in with their fingers. Either method is okay!

Using the spoon, or fingers, drop the paint covered marble on to the paper. We started with one marble at a time but it doesn't matter how many marbles you start out with. Experiment!

Slowing tilt the pan or box back and forth, and side to side, to roll the marble around. The marbles will leave streaks of paint on the paper, creating abstract art!

Add more marbles and colors when desired.

It's wonderful to watch kids thoughtfully manipulate and observe the action of the marbles. Little physicists in training!

Once the child has decided their artwork is completed, carefully remove the paper from the tray and place somewhere safe to dry.

Notes and Questions

What kind of paint is best? Use tempera, or poster paint. Paints like watercolors are too thin. I recommend washable paint, as an escaped marble or two is inevitable, as are paint covered fingers!

What do you do with this art? Anything you want! Set it aside to use in collages, use it to make greeting cards, or frame single specimens.

What size container? That is up to you. Use what you have on hand and try out different shapes.

What kind of paper? Use a sturdy paper like construction paper, card stock or finger paint paper. Plain office paper is fine, but it may become too saturated with paint. If your paper doesn't fit snugly in the box or pan, tape it to the bottom.

Do I have to use marbles? No! Experiment with different sized balls. Ping-pong, golf balls or tennis balls are excellent choices.

The post Painting with Marbles: A Fun Ball Rolling Art Project appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

How to Make Salad Spinner Art

Salad spinner art is actually very easy and is an excellent art project for preschoolers, who love to work the spinner. As yes, you can use your kitchen spinner because if you use washable paint, a good scrub will make your spinner food-worthy again.

Materials

Salad spinner. You can use the kind with a pump top or a hand crank. Our crank-type spinner was only $7 from IKEA. I bet you can find an even cheaper one at a dollar store if you want a spinner dedicated to making art.

Paper. Any paper will do, but heavy paper or even finger paint paper will work nicely. You could also try paper plates.

Washable paint. I highly recommend using WASHABLE paint for any indoor art projects. (Especially when you must do art in your tiny apartment!)

Scissors.

TRENDING: 10 Indoor Active Art Projects for Kids

Instructions:

1. Cut the paper to fit in the spinner. For variety, cut into different shapes like circles, squares and hearts.

2. Place paper inside the bottom of the salad spinner basket.

3. Squirt several drops of paint on the paper.

A note on using paint. Allow children to choose different colors. When kids get a whole bottle of paint they may have the urge to squeeze out as much as possible. Gently guide them to resist that urge, but encourage them to explore the effect of how different quantities of paint behave in the spinner.

You might also experiment with drops vs. blobs vs. swirls of paint. We discovered that making swirls and various drops of paint made for a more interesting result that one big, gigantic blob.

4. Close the spinner and spin, spin, spin! Kids will love this part. Some may want to keep spinning and some may want to finish quickly. Allow them to see how their choices change the finished product.

5. When the child has finished spinning, carefully open the salad spinner and remove the paper. Place in a protected area and leave until fully dry.

Ideas for Spinner Art

Believe me when I say most kids will not want to stop with only one piece of salad spinner art. Here are some ideas for using their new art collection:

• Heart shaped spinner art make great valentines!
• Use them in a collage
• Write messages on the back and use them as cards
• Arrange four favorite pieces in a frame in Andy Warhol style.

Check out more indoor art projects great for active kids:

• Shaken container painting
• Painting with Marbles
• Painting with Magnets
• Large Scale Cityscape Sponge Painting

First published 2009, updated January, 2022.

The post How to Make Salad Spinner Art appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These ideas were appealing to my son because they moved beyond a simple paint brush and paper. They helped him look past traditional ideas about what making art is and I'm hoping they have the same effect on his brother! Another benefit to these active art projects is that they focus the child's attention on the process of making art and less on creating some perfect specimen. This is so important for kids who are worried that they "can't draw."

Here's the list! Click on the links to learn more about each project and see our results!

Painting with magnets. This is such a fun way to mix science and art!

Decorate the windows.  This is one of our absolute favorites and is such a great way to experience stormy weather.  Gets kids standing and climbing in the window. Create a stained glass effect using cellophane, soap and water, or use washable paints and let your kids go to town.

Paint on a chalkboard with water. Stand up and move those arms. If they get a little crazy, that's okay, it's just water!

Shaken container painting. This one can get really active. Kids can really burn off some energy! Shake and jump, or dance and swing! A word of caution: fit the lid tightly!!

Spinner art. Use the kids' favorite kitchen tool - the salad spinner to make art that looks like fireworks.

Marble painting. What child doesn't like a little ball play? Kids love the challenge of manipulating objects to create wild art.

Color smooshing. Try this fun technique that is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers. All the mess is contained and kids learn color theory at the same time!

Marbled paper with shaving cream. This one is not as full-body active as some of the other active art projects on this list, but it involves squirting and swirling, which is always a big hit. It also has a big WOW factor!

Easy art on big paper. If you cover your floor with butcher paper, you can get the kids moving in all different directions. Be sure to promote creativity by providing printing materials for hands and feet! See how we did it!

Create life sized body art. Kids get out of chairs, lie down and move around on the floor, and use big arm movements. You may not realize it but big arm movement is crucial to the development of fine motor muscles.

See, art and physical exertion are not incompatible. In fact, getting active is a fun change from sitting down with a coloring book! These art projects are all about the process, so let your children explore!

For more indoor play ideas, including art projects, see our giant list of indoor activities for kids.

The post 10 Indoor Active Art Projects for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Easy Stained Glass Art with Cellophane

I have been wanting to make this colorful faux kids' stained glass window art project using cellophane shapes with the kids ever since I saw it on Matzo Ball Soup. Isn't it gorgeous? It's a variation on another cellophane art activity we did (that one used page protectors!) and terrific for covering up a less-than perfect view! (Note: affiliate links included for products, below)

The boys had so much fun. All you need is:

• Cellophane  cut into a variety of shapes (you could easily customize this for any theme, like snowflakes for winter or hearts for Valentine's)
• solution of ⅔ water and ⅓ dish soap
• paint brush or roller

To begin, Kiddo used a sponge roller to apply the soapy mixture to the window. I think this was just as much for him as adding the shapes.

Stick the shapes on however you want. Overlap, create scenes or just engage in free art, like the boys did.

If the soap dries, just add more. You can also paint or roll over any cellophane corners that may be poking up.

By the way, those bars are child-safety bars required by the city, not prison bars! If you want to take window decorating one step further,  kids can paint directly on the window with washable paint and even wash the windows afterward!

Will you be trying this project?

*Note: many of you know that I have been trying to reduce the amount of plastics that we use. Cellophane is made out of plant material, although the process of making it is hardly environmentally friendly (sadly this is true for many art materials). We made this project using Hygloss Cello Sheets.

This post contains and affiliate link.

The post Kids' Stained Glass Window Art Project appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

It makes a nice change of pace from paper. Plus the kids feel like maybe they are doing something a bit unorthodox. They love that!  I mixed a small amount of dishwasher liquid in tempera paint and let Kiddo loose on the windows.

I used some painter's tape to create a frame border for him to work in and around. The effect was nice when I peeled it off. You could even use the tape to create a Mondrian window!

I love doing this when it is the weather is less than perfect.  What a nice way to experience stormy, tempestuous weather -- making art. You could also use the weather to make this rain painting art project!

Also, it's good for disguising dirty windows.

Not that I have any of those. (he he he)

A few days later you can turn this into a window washing project or create a stained glass window using cellophane!

For more rainy day ideas visit our Giant List of Indoor Activities for Kids.

The post Window Painting: Rainy Day Activity appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This no-prep art activity works well for preschoolers and toddlers, but elementary-aged kids will enjoy it, too. It makes an excellent group art activity for classrooms, but we turned it into a great at-home indoor activity and it kept my son busy while I got a few things done.

Instructions

It might seem counter-intuitive for a "no-prep" easy art activity to have seven steps. But keep reading and you'll soon be convinced.

Step 1. Put paper on floor
Step 2. Squirt paint on plastic take-out tray
Step 3. Give child empty tape roll and bubble wrap envelope (or other bits and bobs from the recycling bin)
Step 4. Go about one's business while your child explores the art process
Step 5. Get more paper and paint upon request
Step 6. Go about one's business
Step 7. Hours later clean up stray paint on floor (thank you, washable paint).

I particularly like the footprints! Art and a keepsake all in one!

P.S. I saved the art for wrapping paper to use later. Pretty, right?

More EASY art ideas you can do at the last minute:

• Toddler drawing from a new perspective
• Handprint art
• Tape art in a journal
• Body art project
• Tandem drawing
• 15 incredibly simple drawing ideas for kids

BONUS! Watch our video to see more ideas for using recyclables in art!

The post No-Prep Art Exploration Activity For Preschoolers appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I have the answer!

Plus, here's a bonus for you: it will get their bodies moving.

What you need: 

• Super active, creative and wonderful kid
• paintbrush
• water
• chalkboard

Can you figure it out yet? Water creates wonderful, temporary pictures or designs. Kids get to watch their art appear and reappear before their very eyes.  My son spent an excessively long time doing this and I think this photo above demonstrates his enthusiasm better than I can describe with words!

Don't go yet.  Here's another idea!

Alternative water art painting project

What you need:

• Pavement
• Active kid
• Paintbrush or sponge
• Sidewalk chalk (optional)

If you can, get outside to paint with water on the pavement–sidewalks, driveways, patios–wherever! Watch the sun dry up your drawings, or wash it away yourself with a spray of the hose. Alternatively, kids can draw with sidewalk chalk and then paint it away with water!

More active art ideas:

• Painting with marbles
• Painting on the windows
• Shaken container painting

The post Painting With Water to Make Chalkboard Art appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

This is a really fun art activity that is perfect for rowdy, active kids of all ages.  It makes a great preschool art project but even big kids will love it, especially if you take it outside and toss it around with great vigor. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Shaken Container Painting

What you need:

• Plastic container (we used a yogurt container)
• Washable paint (washable -- trust me)
• Paper cut to size. Finger paint paper is a great choice.
• Stuff to shake such as marbles, buttons, hardware, rocks, pom poms, etc.

Drop in a few items. Or all of them, as my son immediately did. The results will vary according to whether or not your objects are soft, hard, pointy, smooth, as well as according to how many you drop in the container. Turn this art project into an investigative experiment by comparing results!

Add some paint. Try one, or two or even a dozen colors. Explore color mixing with primary colors! Are the results a muddy brown? That's okay, too.

Shake Shake Shake!!!!! Take it outside and roll or toss around. Get as active as you want and your circumstances allow.

From personal experience I can confirm that if you do not put the lid on tightly, the contents will, in fact, fly everywhere. (Just sayin') Remember the washable paint advice? Yeah, that.

Voilà!

Watch the video of how it's done!!

More active art projects for kids:

• Spin art
• Window painting
• Painting with marbles
• Giant comic strip art

Can you handle all the activities on our GIGANTIC indoor activities list? Take a look: Indoor activities for kids.

The post Shaken Container Painting: Art Project for Active Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Kids can make a mess and stir things up but the end result is always satisfying because the more imperfect the marbling the more beautiful the art.

Materials for Making Marbled Paper

You will need to gather a few special materials that you might not have on hand, but the instructions are so easy and fun, it will be worth the small amount of preparation time! Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Instructions

Step 1. Fill a baking pan with shaving cream. Honestly, this might be your child's favorite part of making marbled paper! 

Step 2. Using the pipettes, drop liquid watercolors all over the cream. We decanted a small amount of the watercolors into old spice jars so that it was easy to fill the pipettes. You can reuse the pipettes for this drip drop boredom buster.

Step 3. Using a wooden craft stick or plastic knife, swirl, swirl, swirl. If you have used all three primary colors, you may want to instruct your that stirring, rather than swirling, the colors may just make a muddy brown mess. Or, just let it go and see what happens. Either approach is fine, really. Process not product, right?

TIP: Use the leftover shaving cream to make puffy paint!

Step 4. Take a large piece of watercolor paper and press it—or "smush", as kids say—on top of the shaving cream.

Step 5. Carefully peel back the paper and place it, shaving cream side up, on your work surface. Let dry for 10 minutes.

Step 6. Use the spatula to scrape the shaving cream off of the paper. You will quickly see why protecting your work surface was a smart move.

Step 7. The beautiful marbling will be revealed! Step back and admire your child's artistic genius.

What to Do With Marbled Paper

By now your nostrils are all cleared up with the menthol scent of shaving cream and you are wondering what to do will all the gorgeous art work your child just created!

After making several sheets of marbled paper with shaving cream, you might be wondering what you are going to do with it all! Here are some ideas:

• Take the piece you love the best and frame it just as it is!

• Cut up marbled paper into smaller sections and turn it into greeting cards.

• Cut it up and use it for a collage project.

• Use the marbled paper as a cover for our handmade journal project.

Post updated 2023.

The post Marbled Shaving Cream Art Project for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.