Well, we’re back at it after the long Memorial Day weekend. We had lofty expectations of hikes,
picnics, and pool days, but ended up with three sick kiddos. Most of the weekend was spent cuddled up on
the floor watching movies. Despite the
sniffles and coughing, we had a wonderful time with Daddy home, and were quite
sad to send him back to work. Unfortunately, the kids are all still a bit
sick, so no one was ready for a big adventure today. Instead we opted to try a new art project…
salted watercolors.
What you need:
- Thick art paper (watercolor paper would be best, but we used sketch pad paper)
- Watercolors (we used Prang Professionals)
- Paint brushes (small and large)
- Salt
- Water
Method:
Put a bit of water in each of your watercolors to get them
ready. Using a large brush, paint the
whole sheet of paper with water. Dip a
brush into the wet watercolor and dab it onto the wet sheet of paper. The color should bleed and run and look a bit
like fireworks (if it doesn’t the paper probably isn’t wet enough). Continue adding paint until the paper is
mostly covered. The thicker the paper,
the better it will hold the water and paint.
When the painting is complete, sprinkle with salt. The salt will absorb some of the colors as
the paint dries, leaving behind an interesting pattern. Let the painting dry, then brush off the
salt. We
experimented a bit with how much water, how much paint, and how much salt to get
different effects. 
Result:
The kids loved this project! The twins were able to do their own paintings with a bit of help
(a big thanks to my mom for providing another set of hands). Sissy thought the effect of the paint bleeding
on the wet paper was amazing and ended up painting three masterpieces. She says this is the only way we are ever
painting again. The boys were primed to
complete a second painting when they discovered how delicious salted
watercolors are and began to eat the brushes, paint, paper, and anything else
dusted in salt!
The paintings are beautiful as is,
but would also make nice cards or gift tags.
I even saw a similar craft that used them as bookmarks (http://simplekids.net/fun-and-simple-bookmark-crafts-for-kids/).
Perhaps you will see them again around Father’s
Day!
Happy Summer Break!
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