Spring has finally sprung, and my toddler couldn't be any happier about it! He is a true outdoors man, and he adores exploring all things nature related. He also happens to be a big fan of painting, so we combined the his two loves yesterday afternoon, with this fun DIY nature paint brushes and tape resist painting craft. This is such a super simple lesson in textures that toddlers absolutely LOVE!
These nature paintbrushes are tree / bush clippings, with some of the needles/leaves removed at the base of the branch clippings to create a "brush handle." We used them with non-toxic kids paints to make a tape resist initial canvas. It was the perfect way to celebrate the return of sunshine, and the budding leaves, trees and flowers. We're totally ready for Summer around here; I literally can't wait!
Read on for the simple supply list and image tutorial on how to create these nature paint brushes and tape resist canvas paintings, with your toddler.
What you'll need:
- Painters tape/masking tape
- Scissors
- Tree / bush clippings - remove some of the leaves / needles near the base of the branch clippings to create a "handle" for your nature paint brushes
- Canvas or poster board
- Non-toxic washable kid-safe paint
How to:
- Prep your canvas or poster board by taping out your desired initial ( you can also use shape stickers etc. if you prefer). Make sure that the tape/stickers is pressed firmly to the canvas/poster board so that paint can't get under it on the edges.
- Spread paint out in lines (in order of color/to your preference) on tinfoil lined dish (or paper plate if you have one on-hand)
- Choose one of your "nature paint brushes:
- Dip the "nature paint brush" in the paint (making sure that the needles / leaves are evenly coated.
- Apply to canvas. Repeat using your various "nature paintbrushes" until your canvas/poster board is covered/painted as desired (note: make sure to paint well over the tape-resist initial or stickers so that the letter/shapes will appear when you remove them from the canvas)
- Set completed canvas to the side and allow adequate time for drying (2-3 hours)
- Remove painters tape/stickers to reveal your initial/shapes.
Hang and enjoy!
