Kids Corner : Sponge Painting !
Guest Artists : Aayden Carey : age 5 , Annie Carey : age 3 Emma Davis : age 6 , Sofia Davis : age 6
Sponge painting is fun , easy , and can be done by any age on almost any surface . When doing this activity with your child , demonstrate each step and then have your child follow directions . Sponge painting reinforces color recognition and creative expression . It helps to develop fine motor skills , language skills , and sensory skills .
First , paint a box and or ornament with acrylic paint and let dry . You can also purchase colored boxes or foil boxes . This will be your base color . Instruct your child to dip the dry sponges into a container of water and squeeze out the excess water until damp . Explain that if the sponge is too wet the paint will be watery and won ’ t work . Ask your child what colors they want to use , then squeeze a small amount of each color onto a paper plate and give your child a separate sponge for each color .
Photo # 1 : Annie , age 3 , dips sponge into acrylic paint and taps on star .
Guide your child to dip the end of a damp sponge into paint and dap on a separate piece of paper first to get the excess paint off the sponge . Your child can start pressing the sponge onto the box lid or ornament when the excess paint is gone .
Engage your child as they work . Ask them to explain what happens when the colors mix . Have them think , answer and talk about the process . Praise them every step of the way ! They will be excited and your enthusiasm will make them want to succeed and pursue more art and creative endeavors in the future .
We masked off the centers of the boxes using a cut out piece of firm paper . Roll some tape and put under the paper so it stays in place .
Sponge around the paper . When the sponged paint is dry , lift the paper off the center . Your child can add lettering , embellishments , or other colors to the unstamped center . There are unlimited choices ! Ask your child what they want to use and show them their options . Have available , stick on letters , glitter , stick on jewels , small ornaments , image stickers or even pictures of themselves .
Emma , Annie and Sofia glued sponge-painted small wooden snowflakes to the lids of their round boxes and used glitter and gems . Aayden used stick-on letters on his box and ornament . Annie used stick-on letters and glitter on her ornament . Before your child embellishes , get their creative minds flowing by asking them questions like , “ What would look best , glitter or a jewel ? What color ? Will the letters fit ? Suggest having your child consider their design by asking them to dry-place their elements first before sticking them down .” Encourage them to think about each step and guide them to a decision that will be successful .
Most of all enjoy the process and HAVE FUN !
Photo # 2 above left : After taping down a circle of paper to prevent paint from reaching center , Emma & Sofia , age 6 , sponge paint lids of boxes . First with one color , then another . Photo # 3 Above right : Aayden , age 5 , removes the paper — he can now decorate center .
SPONGE PAINTING SUPPLIES
• Cover for work table
• Cut up sponges ( at least 4-5 per child )
• Paper Plates
• Card stock to mask out centers of boxes
• Scissors
• Painters tape
• Acrylic Paint
• Paper Boxes , Wood or Metal Ornaments
• Water , containers for water
• Paper to use to test sponge paint &
• to use under glitter
• White glue
• Paper towels or old rags
• Glitter , Stick on Letters , Jewels etc .
Photo # 4 left : Sofia & Emma work on box lids . Emma glues on already sponge painted snowflake to center .
Photo # 5 right : Emma & Sofia sponge paint snowflakes , Aayden uses letter stickers on already dry sponged ornament .
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