Marble Painting

Supplies:

• Paint: fingerpaints or Crayola washable kids' paints work well.
• Small cups or bowls: one for each color you plan to use
• Box: shoeboxes or any box with a lid (I did not use a lid and it was fine)
• Paper: small enough to lay flat inside the shoebox
• Marbles or small balls
• Tape

How to make:

1. Cut a piece of paper small enough to fit inside the box.
2. Tape the piece of paper to the bottom of the box. The best way to do this is to make a circle out of the tape, with sticky side on the outside. Put the tape on the bottom of the box and place paper on top of it.
3. Pour a small amount of paint into the cup or bowl.
4. Place 1 marble or ball inside each cup of paint.
5. Ensure the marble is covered with paint.
6. Place 1 marble on top of piece of paper.
7. Put lid on the box.
8. Shake the box.
9. Remove lid and marble.
10. Repeat steps 6-9 until all colored marbles have been used.
11. Set aside to dry.

From: http://www.examiner.com/children-s-crafts-in-norfolk/painting-with-marbles-toddlers-and-preschoolers-love-it

Mud Dough

This is a preschool idea for a play dough called Mud Dough.

It is best to do this at a large work table so that all the children can watch and help to stir the dough. They will also get a chance to knead the dough—always a hit with this age group. You will need ½ cup of cold water, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, 2 tablespoons brown tempera paint, ½ cup of salt, 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 ½ cups of white flour. You can decide how much of the measuring and pouring can be done by your kids depending on their abilities. Put all of the ingredients in a large bowl to stir together and then turn it out onto the table to knead until it is totally mixed. This really resembles mud and the children enjoy using their Mud Dough to make shapes. Tell them they can make animal shapes, like the ones they might find in a zoo. It always helps to have cookie cutters available to help with this especially for the younger children.

From: http://www.mypreschoolplan.com/preschool-activities/crafts.html

Tissue Paper Sculpture

Have the children tear tissue paper into small pieces. Size and shape don’t matter so this is perfect for this age. In a small bowl mix equal parts of glue and water. Show them how to crumple the paper into wads, and then dip these wads of colorful paper into the glue and stick it onto a piece of cardstock or cardboard. They can create their own sculpture!

From: http://www.mypreschoolplan.com/preschool-activities/easy-crafts.html

Glittered Pumpkins

Kids can help bring a sparkle to the house with these glittered pumpkins that will last for months.

With a medium-size paintbrush, spread a layer of white glue over the surface of a small pumpkin. Hold the pumpkin over a paper plate or a sheet of newspaper to catch excess glitter. Sprinkle powdery glitter over pumpkin in several colors (we used penny, persimmon, orange, and pink champagne), covering completely. Let dry for about an hour; shake off excess glitter. Coat stem with brown acrylic paint; let dry.

From: http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/kids-art-projects#slide_19

Easy Painting Techniques

Shaving Cream Painting: Leave white or add a few drops of food coloring. Let your child use his hands to “paint” on a heavy sheet of paper (watch his mouth!) The shaving cream will dry and make a very interesting art project. 

Glue Painting: Put white school glue in a bowl or paper plate. Allow your toddler to “paint” it on a piece of paper (use a paint brush or Q-tip.) Sprinkle with glitter, colored sand, or cotton balls and let dry. 

Water Painting: This toddler craft is SO EASY! Provide your toddler with a small glass of water, light colored construction paper, and a paint brush. The paper will get darker where she “paints” the water. 

Painting- Without the Mess!
Great activity for your toddler when you need 15 minutes to make dinner!
Supplies

• Large plastic Ziploc bag
• Tempura paint (or search for the homemade “paint” recipe perfect for this toddler craft)
• Duct tape

Directions
    Prep:

1. Make (or buy) paint
2. Place in plastic bag (put more than one color in to teach your toddler about mixing colors)
3. Close bag and tape shut to make sure it doesn’t open

    With your Toddler:

1. Let your toddler squish, mush, and mix the paint in the bag
2. Point out when the colors mix and make a new one

From: http://www.preschool-learning-and-crafts.com