DIY Metallic Paint

I’ve been on a glitter art kick lately! Truth be told, I never set out to make metallic paint, but in the process of another artsy adventure I happened upon this sparkly slick trick. This is so super-simple that I kind of feel like I should have done it long, long ago.

 

Ok, so here’s a secret: It’s not really paint. It looks like it, but it’s just a simple clay and glitter combo. The end result works like finger paint. Your mini Monet can spread it out, getting in some tactile sensory play, while she creates her own glittering masterpieces (or she can just explore how it works in a process-based art activity).

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·         Modeling clay- I’m not going to say that you should take the clay out of the package at the art supply store to make sure that it’s not rock hard (please don’t do this, the people who work there won’t be happy with you), but if it’s not at least somewhat soft your child will get frustrated at lightning speed. If you get home and find yourself with something that feels like bricks, bring it back.

·         Glitter- You’ll need to coordinate the color with the clay color. For example, your child has chosen pink clay. That means you’ll need a similar shade of pink glitter.

·         Paper

Here’s What To Do:

1.      Pull the clay apart into quarter-sized pieces.

2.      Using one piece at a time, your child can begin spreading the clay out on the paper with her fingers. Think of this like finger painting. The clay will stick to the paper and mimic finger paints.

3.      Sprinkle glitter on the clay.

4.      Have your child continue the same finger painting motion, rubbing the glitter into the clay. As she pushes it into the clay a metallic sheen will shine through. She can add more clay-glitter color patches, creating a picture or an abstract design.

Are you looking for more art activities? Check out and follow my Pinterest board on process-based art or kids.

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Process Art for Kids on Pinterest.