Seasonal art for kids Archives - The Artful Parent https://artfulparent.com/activities/seasonal-art/ The Artful Parent is a resource for families and educators. We help you raise creative kids with art activities, seasonal crafts, and family fun! Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:48:41 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://artfulparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cropped-cropped-artful-parent-watermark-transparent-32x32.png Seasonal art for kids Archives - The Artful Parent https://artfulparent.com/activities/seasonal-art/ 32 32 99273070 How to Make Pictures with Flowers https://artfulparent.com/how-to-make-pictures-with-flowers/ Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/?p=184573 Learn how to make pictures with flowers by arranging petals in different patterns and shapes to make beautiful artwork. Or use the flower petals as the start of a drawing prompt! We love to use flowers in our art making. The garden or backyard (or even supermarket bouquets!) can provide a wealth of materials and […]

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Learn how to make pictures with flowers by arranging petals in different patterns and shapes to make beautiful artwork. Or use the flower petals as the start of a drawing prompt!

We love to use flowers in our art making. The garden or backyard (or even supermarket bouquets!) can provide a wealth of materials and inspiration when creating with your kids.

One easy and low-mess way to use flowers is by making flower petal pictures! Simply arrange flower petals and leaves into different images and designs. Then rearrange them to create a different design! When you are finished, compost the petals or dry them for another time.

Here’s a video showing how to make pictures with flowers. Then keep scrolling for the full directions!

pictures with flowers pinterest
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

How to Make Pictures with Flowers

MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Gather your materials

    To make pictures with petals, you need flowers! You can pick them from your garden or yard, or you can pick up a bouquet from the supermarket.

    You can do this activity on a tray or on a piece of plain white paper. We like to tape the paper down with painter’s tape, so it doesn’t shift around.

  2. Create your design

    Arrange flower petals and leaves as desired to create a picture or design.
    Try faces, animals, or even a mandala.

    flower petal bird

    We love this bird – it’s so adorable!

    flower petal bird (1)

  3. Keep going!

    When you’re happy with your artwork, take a photo to save it for later.
    Remove the flowers from the paper and start again, creating a new picture.

    flower petal portrait

    Continue as many times as you like!

Another way to make pictures with flowers is to use them as a drawing prompt!

flower petal drawing prompt
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

To do so, add one or more flowers or leaves to your paper and tape or glue it in place. Use your pen to draw around the flower or leaf to turn it into a car, skirt, animal, or person — whatever you want.

Will you try this super fun and easy process art activity?

Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

More Flower Art Activities

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Spring Creativity pack!

Let creativity blossom with this fun bundle of art activities perfect for Spring!! This 40-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!

Pin It for Later

Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

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10 Spring Sensory Bins for Kids https://artfulparent.com/10-spring-sensory-bins-for-kids/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/?p=183599 Here are 10 fun and easy ideas for Spring sensory bins for kids. These bins offer a fun and exploratory way to engage kids’ senses and enjoy the sights and sounds of Spring! Sensory play is fun AND important for kids’ development. Here at the Artful Parent, we like to gather sensory bin ideas for […]

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Here are 10 fun and easy ideas for Spring sensory bins for kids. These bins offer a fun and exploratory way to engage kids’ senses and enjoy the sights and sounds of Spring!

Sensory play is fun AND important for kids’ development. Here at the Artful Parent, we like to gather sensory bin ideas for every season and holiday and share them with you! Some ideas come from Instagram, and some come from our own experiences. Either way, these hands-on activities offer colorful, textured fun that engages kids’ senses and sparks creativity.

Springtime is a great time to bring the sensory play outside, to let kids get a little messy and to let them experience the full range of Spring senses. As they play, you can ask them what they are hearing, seeing, smelling, and feeling both outside and in their sensory bin.

Dive into these spring-themed ideas to create a sensory-rich learning experience for kids of all ages.

Spring Sensory Bins for Kids

flower soup
Photo by Rachel Withers

1. Flower Soup from Little Mainer Art Studio

Sensory play doesn’t have to be complicated! Just a few drops of pink food coloring added to water and some blossoms picked from the garden make a gorgeous flower soup!

Photo by Process of Play

2. Bee Playdough from Process of Play

Did you know bubble wrap pressed into playdough looks like a beehive?! We didn’t either! This playdough set up is perfect for pollinator season.

chicks and bunnies rice bin
Photo by Find the Little Mind

3. Bunnies & Chicks Rice Bin from Find the Little Mind

We love how grassy this green rice looks. Throw a few little chicks and bunnies and you’ve got a spring-tastic sensory bin!

ice flowers spring sensory bin
Photo by Process of Play

4. Flower Ice Play from Process of Play

After waiting all winter, we can finally bring the sensory play outside. Kids love to explore with ice and watch as it melts on a warm spring day. Plus, we love the pop of color these flower petals make in the frozen ice cubes.

Photo by love.and.paperhearts

5. Matcha Playdough from love.and.paperhearts

Why make plain playdough when you can make matcha playdough?! The vibrant green makes a lovely backdrop for spring poke-ins like sticks, blossoms, and leaves.

Photo by Find the Little Mind

6. Plant a Garden from Find the Little Mind

If your kids want to get going on gardening early, set them up with a sweet set up like this. If you don’t have play dirt, you could easily use kinetic sand (or real dirt!) plus some toy shovels, pails, and flowers.

black bean easter sensory
Photo by Play at Home Teacher

7. Easter Garden from Play at Home Teacher

You can use dried black beans in place of dirt, too! Kids will love scooping, pouring, and running their hands through the beans, plus planting pretend carrots!

easter playdough set up
Photo by Rachel Withers

9. Easter Fun Playdough from the Artful Parent

If you’ve got family coming over for Easter or springtime gatherings, set up a playdough table for the kids! Simply set out a few balls of brightly colored playdough, some plastic eggs, and whatever fun items you might find at the dollar store!

Photo by findthelittlemind

9. Planting Carrots from Find the Little Mind

Let your kids get a bit messy with a set up like this one. They can pretend to be a gardener planting carrots or a baker making dirt cupcakes!

easter egg rainbow rice
Photo by Andrea Martelle

10. Easter Egg Rainbow Rice from the Artful Parent

If you’ve got extra plastic eggs from the Easter Bunny, they make a great addition to any sensory bin! We love filling them up with rainbow rice and then watching as the rice pours out.

More Spring Activities for Kids

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30 Spring Activities for Kids https://artfulparent.com/30-spring-activities-for-kids/ https://artfulparent.com/30-spring-activities-for-kids/#respond Mon, 01 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/30-spring-activities-for-kids/ Here are 30 fun and creative spring activities for kids including flower craft ideas, nature art, garden activities, and spring treats! Updated February 2024 It’s spring! The leaves are unfurling, the flowers are blooming, birds are building nests and gardens are growing. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. And it’s time […]

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Here are 30 fun and creative spring activities for kids including flower craft ideas, nature art, garden activities, and spring treats!

Updated February 2024

It’s spring! The leaves are unfurling, the flowers are blooming, birds are building nests and gardens are growing.

It’s time to get outside and enjoy the spring weather. And it’s time to explore spring colors and themes through arts and crafts activities.

spring activities pin

We know how busy you are, though, so we’ve made it easy for you.

We’ve compiled a list of 30 spring activities for your family to pick and choose from, including nature crafts, outdoor activities, and books about spring.

Happy spring and happy artful parenting!

Spring Activities for Kids

flower printing
Photo by Andrea Martelle

8 Flower Crafts for Kids

1. Decorate your front door with Flower Petal Stained-Glass Windows

2. Make a Flower Petal Suncatcher

3. Or try a Magical 3D Nature Suncatcher with a cardboard box

4. Try making DIY Flower Crowns and Necklaces

5. Do Flower Printing with flowers you pick from the garden

6. Use flowers and leaves to make Clay Leaf Prints and Pendants

7. Create these Beautiful Flower Flags with flower pounding

8. Make Giant 3D Watercolor Flowers with paper plates

kids playing in sandbox
Photo by Anna Harpe

6 Garden Crafts for Kids

9. Add some Beaded Garden Ornaments to your garden or yard

10. Make a Bean Pole Trellis to read under!

11. Think of some wishes you have for your garden and make Garden Wish Flags

12. Check out our tips for setting up a Kid Friendly Backyard

13. Practice drawing vegetables with this Above & Below in the Garden drawing activity

14. Make 5 Minute Pinecone Bird Feeders on Made Every Day

Want even more garden ideas? Here are our favorite Children’s Books About Gardening

nature observational drawing
Photo by Lia Salza Goldstein

6 Nature Arts and Crafts

15. Go on a nature walk and try these 13 Nature Walk Activities + FREE Scavenger Hunt

16. Try a Painted Branch Project on ArtBar

17. Try some Observational Nature Drawing

18. Make a Nature Diorama

19. Make Gelatin Leaf Prints on Cassie Stephens

20. If you’ve got little ones at home, try one of these 5 Nature Based Art Ideas for Toddlers

paper rainbow
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

5 Spring Activities for Kids

21. Make Bubble Painted Flower Hydrangeas on A Piece of Rainbow

22. Make a Fairy House with air dry clay

23. Try one of these 15 Rainbow Crafts for Kids

24. Make a Birds Nest Playdough Invitation on Fantastic Fun and Learning

25. Make a Suncatcher with Beads

pretzel birds nest
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

5 Spring Treats to Make

26. An Edible Birds’ Nest Snack

27. The Best Blueberry Muffin Recipe

28. Bake an Artful Spring Nest Cake with Ice Cream Eggs

29. Make Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

30. Make your own Peanut Butter Cups!

And don’t forget to head to the library and check out some picture books about spring. Need suggestions? Ask your children’s librarian or try some of our favorite Children’s Books About Spring!

Would you like a printable version of 30 Spring Activities for Kids to hang on your fridge? If you missed it, clear your cookies & refresh this page!

How about you? Do you have any favorite spring activities for kids and families that we didn’t mention?

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Spring Creativity pack!

Let creativity blossom with this fun bundle of art activities perfect for Spring!! This 40-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!

More Nature Crafts for Kids

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The Best Fun Backyard Ideas for Kids https://artfulparent.com/set-up-kid-friendly-backyard/ https://artfulparent.com/set-up-kid-friendly-backyard/#respond Sat, 30 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/set-up-kid-friendly-backyard/ Fun backyard ideas that encourage active play with gardening, creative play and ways to embrace nature in your outdoor space. Updated April 2024 It can feel like a big job transforming the outdoor space at your home (whether it be a backyard, front lawn, patio, or deck) into a space that your kids will want […]

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Fun backyard ideas that encourage active play with gardening, creative play and ways to embrace nature in your outdoor space.

Updated April 2024

It can feel like a big job transforming the outdoor space at your home (whether it be a backyard, front lawn, patio, or deck) into a space that your kids will want to go out and play in! We’ve found that a space that is a blank slate, like a flat lawn, can be tricky to entice kids to play with, and can even be depressing for us to look at!

But turning your outdoor space into a kid-friendly, frequently used space for active play doesn’t have to be a big job. It doesn’t take a lot of time, energy or money to make a yard fun and appealing to children.

And we all know how important play is, right?! Mister Rogers got it right when he said that play is the work of childhood.

fun backyard ideas
Photo by Rachel Withers

Fun Backyard Ideas for Kids

As you consider your own backyard, think about which aspects you already have, which ones might need an update, and which details you would like to add.

Don’t feel like you have to incorporate all of these to get your kids outside to play!

Simply use these ideas as a starting point for making your outdoor space more kid-friendly (even if it’s simply a balcony!).

outdoor tent
Photo by Rachel Withers

1. Create a Play Space or Outdoor “Room”

Give kids a feeling of privacy and intimacy for their play. Your yard may already provide this with nooks, corners, or trees. But you can also create “rooms” by adding shrubs or trees, a trellis, an umbrella or canopy, or some sort of fort or hideaway.

This post contains affiliate links.

Some other ideas for creating spaces:

kids in sandbox
Photo by Anna Harpe

2. Outdoor Sandbox Ideas

A place to dig in the sand (or dirt), mold it, build with it, and touch it is an important element of a kid friendly backyard. Sand is both a wonderful sensory experience and fun to manipulate. You can buy or build your own DIY sand box, sand pit, or sand table and outfit it with a few basic sand toys.

Sandbox toys

filling kiddie pool
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

3. Outdoor Water Play

Water is another fun sensory experience for children, especially in warm weather. Kids love to run through a sprinkler on a hot day, play with water balloons, splash in the kiddie pool, and water the garden. Here are a few more ways to incorporate a water element in your space.

painting outside
Photo by Rachel Withers

4. Outdoor Art Activities

You know we are all about art and creativity, whether indoors or out. Sometimes we do art outside, just because it’s so nice out and anything we do needs to be outside.

And sometimes we do outdoor art activities that are best suited to the backyard, because they are big or messy projects, or they involve nature or outdoor equipment.

An easy way to incorporate art outside is to bring the kids’ easel out for some fresh air painting!

outdoor sensory
Photo by Rachel Withers

The same is true for the sensory table. We like to bring messier sensory play outdoors during warmer weather which makes for an easier cleanup.

The nice thing about outdoor art is that you don’t need to worry about paint dribbles and splashes!

chalk paint
Photo by Rachel Withers

5. Chalk, Chalk, Chalk

Sidewalk chalk is a childhood staple (check out this fun set!) and is used for everything from sidewalk drawings and body tracings to games. Mandala stencils are a fun way for older kids to get into chalk art as well.

Chalk paint is another fun material to explore outdoors. And since chalk washes away easily with rain or the hose, kids can draw in many places.

kids gardening
Photo by Rachel Withers

6. A Kids’ Garden

Any kind of garden that a child has ownership of is a wonderful experience. Watching a seed grow into a plant (and then into a fruit, flower, or vegetable!) is a magical learning experience. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to exercise responsibility for a child.

We encourage any parent to give children their own garden space, whether in a pot or a small plot in the ground, and the support to help make it a success.

Some children’s gardening tools to consider:

bird on feeders
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

7. Attract Birds and Butterflies

Our kids LOVE watching the birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies in our garden. You can make your garden friendly to wildlife by planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees around the perimeter of your yard to provide shelter and food.

Add bird feeders, a bird bath, and bird houses as well, if you can. We’ve painted bird houses in the past and even assembled our own from kits.

Or add a bee and bug hotel to help pollinators and beneficial insects. DIY your own or assemble a butterfly house for your garden.

child using magnifying glass
Photo by Rachel Withers

8. Nature Observation Kit

Treat your backyard like a natural science lab by having a few key observation tools handy:

  • Butterfly nets can be used for catching insects.
  • A jar with holes in the lid or a bug house can be a temporary insect observation room.
  • A magnifying glass is helpful for looking closely at your subject.
  • A set of binoculars allows kids to watch larger bird and animal life more carefully.
child blowing bubbles
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

9. Bubbles!

This is a no brainer. Bubbles are magical and fun for most children. They also arguably provide the biggest bang for the buck when creating a kid friendly backyard.

We’ve tried all kinds of wands, machines, and bubbles and they are all a big hit. We’ve even made our own beaded bubble wands! We especially like the larger multi-bubble wands and a never-ending supply of homemade bubble solution in a shallow bowl.

Or try this bubble kit to create gigantic bubbles that will wow your kids!

children playing in backyard obstacle course
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

10. Toys for Outdoor Play

Basic childhood toys, such as balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, and stilts are great for simple, active fun. One of our favorites, though, is a set of activity cones which are fabulous for open-ended play as they can be used so many different ways. They are perfect for setting up obstacle courses, made-up games, and races.

A trampoline is another backyard element that you may want to consider. Our large 15 foot trampoline has been well worth the investment and doubles as a backyard room. The kids play there every day and it’s the playdate hangout of choice. (Or you might try a mini trampoline that can be moved indoors or outdoors).

child on swing
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

11. Backyard Swings 

Swings are fun and soothing, great for developing equilibrium and balance, and a superb way to be active. The swing set at our old house (a big wooden DIY affair) got more use over the years than anything else in our backyard––even the much-loved sand box. If you have space for a swing set or a tree swing, it can be a worthwhile addition.

How about you? What are your family’s favorite kid friendly backyard ideas? What do you have in place that’s working well for you? And what would you like to add to make your outdoor space more inviting and workable?

More Outdoor Play for Kids

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Painting with Peeps Easter Art https://artfulparent.com/painting-with-peeps-easter-art/ Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/?p=179183 Create fun Easter art with Peep painting! This simple yet engaging process art activity allows kids to use marshmallow bunnies as stamps, creating vibrant and colorful prints. This time of year, we tend to have some extra sweets at our house. Usually in the form of several boxes of Peeps. You know, those sweet and […]

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Create fun Easter art with Peep painting! This simple yet engaging process art activity allows kids to use marshmallow bunnies as stamps, creating vibrant and colorful prints.

This time of year, we tend to have some extra sweets at our house. Usually in the form of several boxes of Peeps. You know, those sweet and sugary marshmallow chicks and bunnies?

Well, this year, we tried using those Peeps to make some art, rather than just snacking on them!

The result were some super cute and colorful bunny prints, sprinkled with some glittery ‘sugar’ and perfect for tucking in an Easter basket or gift.

easter art printing with peeps pinterest (1)
Photo by Andrea Martelle

Easter Art with Peep Painting

MATERIALS

  • Marshmallow Peeps (various shapes and colors)
  • Paint in different colors (we used these neon colors mixed with white to make pretty pastels)
  • Paper or cardstock
  • Plates or shallow containers for the paint

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prep your materials

    Cover your workspace. Pour your paint onto plates or shallow dishes.

    Select your Peeps; we used ones that had been out for a day or two, so they were on the stale side and a little sturdier for painting.

    _peep print materials

  2. Dip a Peep in paint

    Press the bottom of a Peep into the paint, ensuring that the entire bottom is coated with paint.

    _peep printing

    After a few prints, my kids started dipping the Peeps into multiple paint colors to give their pictures a swirly look and they came out so pretty!

  3. Stamp onto your paper

    Carefully and firmly, press the paint-coated Peep onto your paper. Gently lift up the Peep to reveal your print!

    _peep printing

    After a while, the Peeps start to get soggy with paint, so you may want to have some extras on hand.

    peep prints

  4. Add sugar!

    While the paint is still wet, you can sprinkle on some glitter to give your Peep a sugary and sparkly effect!

    easter art peep prints

Once dry, your peep prints are an adorable Easter decoration to hang up or make a sweet card to tuck into an Easter gift or basket.

We had so much fun making these prints! I have a feeling we will be making this Easter art every year!

easter art peep printing
Photo by Andrea Martelle

More Easter Art Activities for Kids

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Photo by Andrea Martelle

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How to Paint Paper Easter Eggs https://artfulparent.com/easter-egg-art-bunting/ https://artfulparent.com/easter-egg-art-bunting/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/easter-egg-art-bunting/ Paint colorful paper Easter eggs with watercolor resist art for a simple and easy craft your kids will love to make! Photo updates by Andrea Martelle Updated February 2024 Want an easy yet lovely Easter egg art activity to do with your kids? Oil pastel resist is one of our favorite watercolor resist techniques, and […]

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Paint colorful paper Easter eggs with watercolor resist art for a simple and easy craft your kids will love to make! Photo updates by Andrea Martelle

Updated February 2024

Want an easy yet lovely Easter egg art activity to do with your kids?

Oil pastel resist is one of our favorite watercolor resist techniques, and probably the one we use most commonly.

So, we tried an Easter themed version of it as an art invitation for our kids to do after school. 

Here’s how they used it to paint Easter egg after Easter egg.

paper easter eggs pin
Photo by Andrea Martelle

How to Paint Paper Easter Eggs

This post contains affiliate links.MATERIALS

*We cut the egg-shapes out free hand, but there are plenty of printable templates online if you would rather be a bit more precise.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Draw designs

    First, draw designs on your Easter egg paper with the oil pastels. You can draw with white to have a magical reveal with the paint or use colors. We drew with neon oil pastels for a pop of color!

    drawing on easter eggs

  2. Add paint!

    Then, paint over your oil pastel drawing with watercolors.

    painting paper easter eggs

  3. Repeat!

    Make as many eggs as you’d like. If your kids are anything like ours, they’ll be cranking out the Easter eggs!

    paper easter eggs

Continue drawing and painting your Easter eggs until you have enough for a bunting.

paper easter egg bunting
Photo by Andrea Martelle

To make the bunting, we simply punched holes at the top of the eggs and tied them with twine. You can also attach them to a display wire with mini clothespins or even use washi tape to tape them up on a wall.

Try These Easy Paper Egg Crafts

More Easter Activities for Kids

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Easter Creativity pack!

Celebrate this fun holiday with all kinds of adorable creative activities! This 32-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!

Pin It for Later

paper easter eggs pinterest

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How to Make Paper Flowers with Tissue Paper https://artfulparent.com/flowers-in-the-snow/ https://artfulparent.com/flowers-in-the-snow/#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/flowers-in-the-snow/ A simple method for how to make paper flowers with tissue paper, egg cartons, and pipe cleaners. A fun and open-ended flower craft for kids! Updated February 2024 There are lots of ways to make paper flowers, but this version is fun, inexpensive and easy enough for toddlers and preschoolers to participate in the process. […]

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A simple method for how to make paper flowers with tissue paper, egg cartons, and pipe cleaners. A fun and open-ended flower craft for kids!

Updated February 2024

There are lots of ways to make paper flowers, but this version is fun, inexpensive and easy enough for toddlers and preschoolers to participate in the process.

And all you’ll need for this project are a few craft materials and some recycled cardboard egg cartons.

paper flowers pinterest
Photo by Rachel Withers

How to Make Paper Flowers

MATERIALS

Time needed: 20 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cut egg carton

    Dissect and cut out each section of the egg carton where each egg would nestle. Each section will become a flower. Cut a small slit in the top of each section where the pipe cleaner will attach.

    paint egg cartons

  2. Paint egg cartons

    Set out watercolors or tempera paint for your child to paint the egg cartons. Let dry completely before moving on to the next step.

    painting egg cartons

  3. Thread pipe cleaners

    Twist two pipe cleaners together for a sturdier “stem”. Then thread through the base of each egg carton and create a knot or twist with the pipe cleaner to secure in place.

    thread pipe cleaner through egg carton

  4. Add tissue paper

    Now bunch up each tissue paper to create the “flower”. Gather the tissue paper circles together then glue each in place inside the cups with a dab of glue.

    glue tissue paper to flower

We love making these flowers as a gift for teachers. They’re so cheerful and will last forever!

More Flower Activities for Kids

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How to Dye Easter Eggs with Shaving Cream https://artfulparent.com/how-to-dye-easter-eggs-with-shaving-cream/ Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/?p=180473 Learn how to dye Easter eggs with shaving cream marbling! Take our favorite marbling technique and use it to make gorgeous Easter eggs! Here at the Artful Parent, we love trying new methods for decorating Easter eggs. We’ve tried marbling with Kool Aid and oil, we’ve tried wax resist dyeing, and we’ve also tried plenty […]

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Learn how to dye Easter eggs with shaving cream marbling! Take our favorite marbling technique and use it to make gorgeous Easter eggs!

Here at the Artful Parent, we love trying new methods for decorating Easter eggs. We’ve tried marbling with Kool Aid and oil, we’ve tried wax resist dyeing, and we’ve also tried plenty of no-mess options, like using washi tape.

But up until last year, we’d never tried shaving cream marbled eggs! This is one of our favorite marbling techniques, so it makes sense that we’d use it to dye Easter eggs. And the results are pretty cool!

marbled easter eggs pinterest
Photo by Andrea Martelle

How to Dye Easter Eggs with Shaving Cream

MATERIALS

  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Shaving cream (foam, not gel)
  • Food coloring or liquid watercolors
  • A shallow dish or tray
  • Spoon
  • Toothpicks or skewers (optional for swirling)
  • Paper towels or old newspapers for cleanup

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare your work area

    Lay down some old newspapers or an old tablecloth on your work surface to protect it from any mess.

  2. Fill your dish with shaving cream

    Spray a layer of shaving cream onto a shallow dish or tray, making sure it’s thick and covers the entire bottom surface.

    shaving cream in shallow dish

  3. Add color and swirl!

    Drip or squirt drops of food coloring or liquid watercolors randomly over the surface of the shaving cream. Feel free to use multiple colors for a more vibrant effect. Then use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors into the shaving cream.

    Encourage your kids to make swirls, zigzags, or any other patterns they like, but try not to overmix it.

    marbling shaving cream

  4. Roll your eggs

    Carefully roll each hard-boiled egg in the colored shaving cream mixture, ensuring that it gets covered on all sides.

    marbling eggs in shaving cream

    Once the eggs are coated, let them sit in the shaving cream mixture for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the dye to adhere to the eggshells.

    eggs in pink marbled shaving cream

  5. Wipe off the excess and let dry

    After waiting 5-10 minutes, use a paper towel or a dry cloth to wipe off the excess shaving cream from the eggs. You’ll notice that the colors have transferred onto the eggshells, creating beautiful, marbled patterns.

    Place the eggs on a clean, dry surface to air dry completely. We like drying them in an old egg carton. Be sure to avoid touching them until they are fully dry to prevent smudging the colors.

marbled easter eggs
Photo by Andrea Martelle

Once they are dry, your marbled eggs are ready to be displayed as Easter decorations or hidden for an Easter egg hunt!

In trying this out, we found that some of the colors were brighter on the eggs than others. The neon pink was especially bright!

The eggs that weren’t as vibrant ended up get a second coat of paint using liquid watercolors and droppers. And honestly, they are my favorites of the batch!

painted easter eggs
Photo by Andrea Martelle

More Easter Egg Decorating Ideas for Kids

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15 Fun Rainbow Crafts for Kids https://artfulparent.com/15-rainbow-arts-and-crafts-ideas-for-kids-on-instagram/ https://artfulparent.com/15-rainbow-arts-and-crafts-ideas-for-kids-on-instagram/#respond Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/15-rainbow-arts-and-crafts-ideas-for-kids-on-instagram/ Fun rainbow crafts for St Patrick’s day or spring art for kids. Create wall hangings, clay & playdough rainbows or try fun painting projects. Updated January 2024 I’ve loved rainbows for as long as I can remember. And now that I have kids, it’s especially fun to fill the house with rainbow art of all […]

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Fun rainbow crafts for St Patrick’s day or spring art for kids. Create wall hangings, clay & playdough rainbows or try fun painting projects.

Updated January 2024

I’ve loved rainbows for as long as I can remember. And now that I have kids, it’s especially fun to fill the house with rainbow art of all kinds. .

We have another amazing roundup of ideas for you, some of which come from the blog, and others from creative folks over on Instagram. 

rainbow crafts pin
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

I can’t wait to try these ideas with my kids. And I hope you & the kids in your life will enjoy crafting, painting, sculpting and discovering rainbows through these rainbow arts & crafts Ideas for kids.

Rainbow Crafts for Kids

Painted air dry clay rainbows with Word Rocks Project
Photo by Word Rocks Project

1. Clay Rainbows from Word Rocks Project

If you love rainbows like me, you’re going to want to hop on over & read the full tutorial on how to make these adorable little clay rainbows

Photo by Inspire My Play

2. Rainbow Ice Painting from Inspire My Play

I can’t wait to try this ice painting activity using tempera paint sticks with my kids––perfect for toddlers & preschoolers!

Painted rainbow with beaded hanger
Photo by Riverside Art Studio

3. Painted Rainbow & Beaded Hanger from Riverside Art Studio

This painted rainbow is sure to brighten up any space. And it looks like so much fun to bead & paint!

rainbow scraper art featured
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

4. Rainbow Scraper Painting from the Artful Parent

Scrape painting is a fun process art activity for kids. This fun technique moves paint with a card to create colorful rainbows.

Photo by Inspire My Play

5.Nature-inspired rainbow board from Inspire My Play

This is a wonderful color matching activity for spring & summer with your little ones. I want to make one too!

Rainbow Playdough activity for kids with Homegrown Friends
Photo by Homegrown Friends

6. Rainbow Playdough Activity for Kids from Homegrown Friends

Kids are sure to enjoy this rainbow playdough activity and it’s such an easy one to set up!  If you’re looking for a good playdough recipe, try one of our 3 Awesome Homemade Playdough Recipes.

rainbow made of slime
Photo by Andrea Martelle

7. Rainbow Slime from The Artful Parent

The ever-popular slime! Mix up a batch & create a rainbow of colors.

Photo by Creation Space

8. A Rainbow of Color Mixing from Creation Space

I love this idea to use a color mixing activity to create a rainbow for kids.

painted rainbows structure
Photo by Danielle Falk

9. 3D Rainbow Cardboard Sculptures from the Artful Parent

Learn how to make a 3D rainbow cardboard sculpture by cutting and painting cardboard rainbows, then stacking them up to make a tall sculpture.

Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

10. Paper Rainbows from The Artful Parent

These super simple paper rainbows are so lovely! And don’t forget the fluffy cotton ball clouds!

Rainbow Scratch Art_ Babble Dabble Do

11. Rainbow Scratch Art from Babble Dabble Do

I remember making my own scratch art as a kid. If you’re looking for an activity to get a little extra energy out with your kids/students – this is it. And what fun when that rainbow of color begins to emerge!

Sensory rainbow play for kids with Hlm Studio

12. Sensory Rainbow Play from HLM Studio

Heather set up ice, salt, shaving cream, water beads and squeeze bottles with colored water for some fun rainbow inspired play.

Cardboard Rainbow Collages with Little Mainer Art Studio

13. Cardboard Rainbow Collages from Little Mainer Art Studio

These Artbar-inspired rainbow collages were so fun for the kids to make at our toddler art class!

Rainbow colored brick sidewalk with Homegrown Friends
Photo by Homegrown Friends

14. Rainbow Chalk Activity with Homegrown Studios

Get your kids and their friends busy with warmer weather approaching and turn your sidewalk, patio or driveway into a colorful rainbow walkway!

15. The Rainbow Skittles Experiment from the Artful Parent

Technically, this is more of a science experiment than a craft, but we guarantee your kids will love trying this one out!

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Spring Creativity pack!

Let creativity blossom with this fun bundle of art activities perfect for Spring!! This 40-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!

Pin It for Later

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11 Ideas for Decorating Easter Eggs https://artfulparent.com/11-fun-easter-egg-ideas-for-kids/ https://artfulparent.com/11-fun-easter-egg-ideas-for-kids/#respond Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 https://artfulparent.com/11-fun-easter-egg-ideas-for-kids/ If you are looking for some Easter egg inspiration this year, check out these creative ideas for decorating eggs. Updated January 2024 Looking for fun ideas for Easter egg decorating with kids? We’ve got you covered. Decorating eggs is something that we like to do in the month leading up to Easter. Sometimes we blow out […]

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If you are looking for some Easter egg inspiration this year, check out these creative ideas for decorating eggs.

Updated January 2024

Looking for fun ideas for Easter egg decorating with kids? We’ve got you covered.

Decorating eggs is something that we like to do in the month leading up to Easter. Sometimes we blow out our Easter eggs first, sometimes we decorate wooden eggs, and sometimes we just use regular hard-boiled eggs, but since it’s early we don’t eat them.

easter egg ideas pin
Photo by Andrea Martelle

Here are 11 Easter egg decorating ideas for kids that we love doing year after year!

11 Ideas for Easter Eggs for Kids

Washi Tape Eggs on windowsill
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

1. Washi Tape Easter Eggs

Use washi tape on dyed or undyed eggs to add a colorful and easy design. Bonus: a roll of washi tape works perfectly as an egg holder!

Frame art eggs in basket
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

2. Drawing in Frames on Eggs

Combine drawing frames with sharpies and then dyeing with Kool-Aid to make these beautiful eggs!

Kool Aid marbled eggs in carton
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

3.  Marbling with Kool Aid and Oil

Kool-Aid dye and vegetable oil work together to make a stunning marbled effect on the eggs.

Sticker resist eggs with marker
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

4. Easter Egg Decorating with Stickers and Sharpies

Create sticker resist art (like tape resist art!) on Easter eggs by using stickers you have at home.

Reinforcement sticker resist eggs in tissue paper nests
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

5. Decorating with Hole Reinforcement Stickers

Much like the idea above, this decorating technique uses hole reinforcement stickers to create an image that will remain white after the egg is dyed.

Image transfer eggs in egg cups
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

6. Image Transfers on Easter Eggs

Did you know you could make your own image transfers? This creative idea is lovely and easy!

close up of Easter egg tree
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

7. Collage Easter Eggs

Make these pretty collage eggs with images from printed paper napkins. This project is easy enough for children to do and the results are beautiful.

resized wooden easter eggs
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

8. Paint Wooden Easter Eggs

Use sharpie markers and watercolors to create a lovely design and the best part is that these wooden eggs can be used year after year!

Melted crayon eggs in a bowl
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

9. Melted Crayon Easter Eggs

Melted crayon eggs are easier than you might think and fun to do with kids. Draw on hot eggs with crayons, then dye for a really cool crayon resist effect.

bleeding tissue paper eggs in the grass
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

10. Coloring Eggs with Bleeding Tissue Paper

Bleeding tissue paper creates a gorgeous stained effect on both real eggs and drawings of them. Find instructions on how to do both in this post.

Easter Egg tree in bucket
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

11. An Easter Egg Tree

If you are looking for something to do with all of these beautiful eggs, an Easter egg tree is the perfect idea! It is easy to assemble and creates a lovely Easter centerpiece for your home.

How do you plan on decorating your Easter eggs this year? Be sure to tag The Artful Parent on Instagram to show us your designs!

Stained glass eggs
Photo by Jean Van’t Hul

More Easter Arts and Crafts for Kids

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Easter Creativity pack!

Celebrate this fun holiday with all kinds of adorable creative activities! This 32-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!

Pin It for Later

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