Wiggle Eye Painted Canvas Wall Art

What do massive googley eyes, a pre-stretched canvas, glitter and tempera paint have in common? If you put them all together they make some pretty stellar wall art (and, bonus – it’s all kid-created)!

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When I spied the giant wiggle eyes I really couldn’t stop myself from buying them. I (very proudly) revealed my crafty purchase when I got home. And, surprise, surprise – my 14-year-old was actually impressed. I may have even heard a, “Mom, those are pretty cool” too! Really?

Now that I had these gigantor eyes, what should I do with them? It occurred to me that they could make some fairly fabulous wall art. This activity is super-easy, totally customizable and let’s your little one put his decorative touch on your home.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        A pre-stretched canvas

·        A pencil

·        A permanent marker – in a dark color

·        Giant googley eyes – You can buy these online or at lost craft stores

·        Clear drying school glue

·        Red glitter

·        A paintbrush

·        Tempera paint

·        Cotton balls

·        Scissors

·        Cardboard tubes – Reuse paper towel rolls

Here’s What to Do (to make the basic version):

1. Glue the googley eyes to the canvas, near the top.

2. Sketch a nose and mouth with a pencil.

3. Trace the nose and mouth with the marker.

4. Paint the mouth.

5. Sprinkle the glitter over the still-wet paint. Shake off the excess.

You can hang the smiley face art as is, or…

Add some color and a frame. Turn the smiley face into a friendly ‘monster’ to chase away the scary bedtime ‘monsters’ in your child’s room, make a furry friend or an imaginary character. Getting back to the friendly ‘monster’ idea, this is an artsy way to help your child take control over some of her fears and put bedtime woes – well, to bed. Come up with a special bedtime friend who keeps everything spooky and scary away. After your child paints his ‘friend’, hang it on the wall to keep the monsters at bay.

Here’s What to Do (to make a colorful version):

1. Follow the above instructions.

2. Pour a few pools of paint onto a paper plate or piece of wax paper.

3. Dip a cotton ball (or a crumpled piece of paper towel) into the paint and press it onto the canvas.

4. Do a bit of finger painting around the eyes and the mouth to fill in the gaps.

If you want to add a frame…

1. Line the outside of the canvas with the paper towel tubes, you will need to cut them. Think of it like a puzzle that your child needs to solve.

2. Paint the tubes. Here’s an easy trick to paint the whole tube quickly – pour a line of paint into a piece of paper. Roll the tube through the paint. Now it’s covered!

3. Add some decorative touches, such as polka dots or lines.

4. After the paint dries, glue the tubes to the outside of the canvas.

Now you’re ready to hang the painting!

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

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