When I hear “easy, no mess painting” my head turns. I always want to know more. Annie lights up when I say it’s painting time, but sometimes I just don’t want to deal with the mess. So no mess painting is my favorite kind of painting. My kids love smoosh paint because it is a way they can be creative without mom nagging them to keep their shirt out of the paint. That’s where smoosh paint comes in.
What is smoosh paint?
Smoosh paint is a process art that involves applying paint inside a ziplock bag either on a template for specific shapes or loose for more abstract crafts. Once the bag is well sealed, the paint is pushed, or smooshed around inside to fill the template or play with the colors. It’s a tactile, mess-free experience that is great for kids of all ages. Even Ace enjoyed it (should have taped the bag to the table for him though).
Supplies Needed
- Sippy Cup Barista Mitten Template
- Gallon Size Plastic Zip Lock Bag
- Paints (as many colors as you like)
- Scissors
- 8.5×11 Construction Paper
- 12” of ribbon
- Glue Stick
Steps
- Secure the mittens template inside of the zip lock bag.
- Apply dollops of paint across the mittens on the template.
- Close the zip lock bag and seal it tight. If you’re worried you can use tape to double seal the opening.
- Allow your child to press on the plastic bag to move and smooth the paint dollops around the template. They can practice mixing the colors or moving it to create shapes.
- When they are done, remove the paper from the plastic bag. I recommend cutting the bag open so the paint doesn’t smudge. If you wait too long to pull the paper out of the bag it may get soggy and rip, so do this step as soon as your little finishes smooshing.
- Allow the template to dry completely.
- Cut out the mittens. Sometimes depending on the colors you used the lines may be hard to see. Try cutting from the underside if you can’t see the template from the top.
- Use the glue stick to coat the back side of the first mitten.
- Attach one end of the ribbon to the glue on the first mitten and then press the mitten onto the construction paper.
- Twist the ribbon as you like and apply a little glue to hold it in place.
- Apply glue to the other mitten, attach the other end of the ribbon to the glue on the mitten and then press the mitten onto the construction paper.
- Hang on the refrigerator or frame to enjoy the masterpiece.
When you’re ready to start your next craft, check out this winter themed craft round up. Annie tested and approved every project on the list.
Let me know in the comments what your child thought of this no mess painting craft.
