Make paint using ingredients found right inside your own kitchen. This easy art project for kids is
eco-friendly and a fun way to introduce the scientific states of matter.
Want to paint with your kids, but need to put a little twist on things to beat the winter doldrums? Make your own paint using ingredients found in your kitchen!
This process-based art activity for children is great at any time of year.
I especially love doing ice cube paintings in the winter. We take advantage of the cold Minnesota temps to freeze our ice cubes. Not only does it make things a little more exciting, but it is a fun way to introduce the scientific states of matter to young children.
Here’s how you can make your own ice cube paintings.
Supplies:
- An ice cube tray
- Food coloring
- Water
- Paper straws or short popsicle sticks
- Tin foil
- Paper
- Placemat (optional, but recommended)
Directions:
- Drop one or two drops of food coloring into each ice cube mold. If you want to mix colors to create a larger palette of colors, go for it!
- Fill the remainder of each ice cube mold with water.
- Cover the ice cube tray with a layer of tinfoil.
- Place a paper straw or popsicle stick into each mold.
- Freeze the tray, changing the water into ice.
- Using the straws/popsicle sticks as handles, remove the paint cubes from the tray and paint away!
Note that food coloring can stain, so I recommend placing a placemat underneath your paper as you work. I also recommend the wearing of a paint shirt or old clothing for this project.
If you are looking for other art projects for kids using ice, check out these blog posts on creating Ice Lanterns and Flower Cupcakes.
Interested in a three ingredient art project that changes a washable marker drawing into a beautiful painting reminiscent of sumi-e? Check out this full lesson plan on Bamboo Forest Paintings.
Happy painting, friends!
