Are you looking for a no-prep way to encourage your child's artistic exploration and don't want to resort a coloring book? This art idea is so easy to set up at the last minute and emphasizes the artistic process over the end product.
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!
barefoot-mummy says
So simple, yet so clever! We are trying this as soon as I can find us some more big paper! Thanks for the idea 🙂
amanda says
the dollar store sells 'kraft paper' it's in a roll and in the office section - it's brown but you may find white. SO much cheaper than a craft store or office supply store. i would also use it for wrapping paper after the kids decorate it!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Excellent tip, Amanda. Thank you!