Toddlers and paint. Some parents cringe at the idea! The idea of adding to the never ending list of cleaning you already do, it’s just not fun. I get it! And I am sure you have spotted this idea online or on Pinterest, much like I have. So I had to try it, outside of course… just in case I had to use the hose! 
I am happy to report that this painting activity is pretty mess free. I did modify it a bit from the blog post I originally found it on, and in all honesty I was probably the one with more paint on themselves. This was easy enough that both my 3 year old and almost 2 year old could do this with very little help from me. Keeping the tray level, so the marbles didn’t jump out, was my biggest task while they “painted.” It was a huge help that I had a GIANT buffet pan on hand, but you could easily use an empty cardboard box as well!
Original Posting: The Artful Parent
No Mess Marble Painting
- Empty tray, box, or even a cookie sheet
- Several marbles (I found mine at the Dollar Store)
- Paper
- 3-4 paint colors
- Bowl of water
- Place paper inside of your tray or box. I taped the corners down on our’s to keep it from jumping around.
- Dot paper with paint. I kept the choices to three colors to avoid over mixing and only having brown paintings!
- Drop in as many marbles as you want!
- Tip tray in all directions to move marbles and drag the paint. This can be as little or as much as the artist would like.
- Dump painted marbles into your bowl of water. Wash, dry, repeat!
TIPS:
- Older kids might enjoy a different method. Using an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Fill holes with paint colors, drop in marbles, use a spoon or tongs to drop marbles onto paper.
This is a great simple, activity to have “on hand” to do with the kids any time. The project possibilities are endless. Maybe fold the paper and paint as a card for Grandma. Create on canvas for home decor. Even cut the final painting and paste into a new creation, in a very Eric Carle fashion! Whatever you do, make sure to snap a pic and share #MadeByMeggs I love seeing what you and your littles create together.
Made By Meggs 