These are crazy times we’re going through right now. For most of us, our lives have been flipped upside down as we balance working from home, homeschooling kids, staying healthy, and maybe even trying to learn how to cook. Even those who have never considered themselves creative are digging deep for inspiration.

I certainly get it. Keeping kids’ growing brains and bodies occupied during this time is hard work! I wanted to share with you a kid-friendly art project inspired by my cake smash backdrops! I create this very popular backdrop on a large scale, but it’s easy for kid’s to create a smaller version at home, with splatter or finger painting fun.

Mom Tested & Approved Activity

My friend, Melissa of Contained Chaos, did this activity with her kids and I love the result! As a Playroom Consultant and Organizer, her mission is to create inviting and functional play spaces in order to encourage learning, language, and fun! Kid’s learn best through PLAY and creativity. She plans to hang her artwork in her kids playroom - how cute!

“When designing and organizing play spaces, I always try to incorporate art that will be meaningful to the kids. Photo art, personalized art, and homemade art projects are perfect ways to accomplish this. This splatter paint project was fun for the kids and will be hanging in our playroom for years to come.” -Melissa, Contained Chaos

Bonus: When you’re done, you’ll have personalized artwork to hang up to decorate around your home. This art project is really cute no matter how messy they get! In fact, the messier the better. PLUS, you can easily incorporate learning into the activity by discussing negative space, colors, measuring, and more.

Here is an easy tutorial for your kids to create this splatter paint artwork at home with just a few common art supplies.

1. GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES.

· Thick paper/poster board or canvas are best (a larger canvas allows for more painting)

· Paper to cut out letters or a design of your choice (construction paper works great) or you can use easy to peel stickers

· Washable Paint (tempura or acrylic)

· Scissors

· Tape

· Paintbrushes

2. TRACE YOUR LETTERS OR DESIGN ON PAPER.

The type and color of paper what color doesn’t matter here because you will be removing it. You can freehand it, or use a stencil. You can also use stickers or vinyl letters you have on hand.

3. CUT OUT YOUR LETTERS OR DESIGN.

4. TAPE THE BACK TO YOUR SURFACE IN THE DESIRED LAYOUT.

Make sure the ends are taped securely and don't curl up for clean edges. Use a level if you’d like.

5. CHOOSE YOUR COLORS, AND USE THE PAINT BRUSHES TO SPLATTER ON YOUR SURFACE.

The kids LOVE this part! If you have thick paint, add some water for better splattering. It works best if you do just ONE color at a time. They can throw, flick or drip. The more the better!

For little kids who might not be able to use a paint brush, you can have them finger-paint over the letters for the same effect.

6. LET PAINT DRY.

7. PEEL YOUR LETTERS OFF THE SURFACE TO REVEAL YOUR NAME OR DESIGN!

For the process and results, check out the video and images below. I’ve also added a few cake smash photos from my studio using this technique. Have fun!

And finally, here are some personal photos when we did this project to hang in my kid’s playroom in 2016!

It’s been quiet around here without all the little ones and their families gathering in my studio. I would love to see your smiling faces and beautiful artwork. Share them by tagging me on Instagram or Facebook (@daniellesaraphotography) or in the comments below.

Happy painting! Stay healthy, friends.

XOXO,

Danielle