Cherry Glitter Art for Kids: Paint with Nature

It’s cherry season, and I’m ready to make some nature-based art! I mean, who doesn't love DIY paint (especially when it has glitter in it)?  I’ve been super obsessed with science and art activities lately. This one is no exception. Instead of just smooshing a bowl of cherries to get that pretty red juice out for our little artists to paint with, turn the entire process into a science exploration.

Give your child a bowl of cherries—only after you’ve prepped for the mess. Cherries stain and this activity creates splashes, splatters and all kinds of staining possibilities. Cover the table with an opened garbage bag, cardboard or a cheapo vinyl tablecloth. Dress your child in “messy” clothes or his art smock.  When he’s ready to experiment, set the cherries down in front of him and let him make his own discoveries. Encourage him to use all of his senses:

Taste: Take the pits out and let him try the cherries.

Smell: Take a sniff to see if they smell as sweet as they taste.

Sight: Look at the cherries. Sure, he knows that they are round and red, but what’s inside? Help your child to investigate all of the parts of the fruit with his eyes.

Feel: Let your child squish and mush them between his fingers (he’ll start creating the paint for the project).

Sound: Even though cherries don’t make an actual sound, he can listen for the drips and drops that come out of them as he squishes the fruit.

Now he’s ready to start the art-making.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Cherries

·        A bowl

·        A paintbrush

·        Paper

·        Glitter

·        Vegetable oil

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Take the squished cherries from the sensory exploration and let your child finger paint with them on plain white paper.

2.     Add a capful of vegetable oil to the rest of the cherry mush. Have your child stir it with the paintbrush. The oil will make the cherry paint easier to spread and help to hold in some of the glitter that you’re about to add.
 

3.     Pour in sparkling glitter. Use as much or as little as your child wants. Stir it together.

4.     Paint! Your child is ready to spread his natural glitter creation all over a piece of paper. He can make abstract art, shapes, swirls or a picture of whatever he pleases.

 

 

Are you looking for more kids’ art activities? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

 

 

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Creative Kids Crafts on Pinterest.