DIY: Watercolour Salt Painting

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Watercolour Salt Painting

Artistic Adventures

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Two pieces of white paper sit on a marbled surface. The paper on the left has a star shape made from layers of colored salt or sand, with yellow on the outside, then blue, and white in the center. The paper on the right has a heart shape made with similar layered colors, using shades of pink and a white center. The image showcases a simple art activity using colored granular materials.

Salt painting is an art experiment full of surprises! When paint touches salt crystals, colours spread magically, creating dreamlike effects. This activity not only sparks children's creativity but also develops fine motor skills. Young artists can enjoy freestyle drawing and watch colours flow, while older children can challenge themselves by creating animals, letters, or characters with more intricate details.

Materials Needed

White PVA glue
Salt
Card paper
Watercolour paints
Water
Paint palette
Spoon
Pencil
Paintbrush

An assortment of art supplies is arranged on a light wood table. The supplies include a bottle of white glue, a pale yellow bowl containing white powder (likely salt or sugar), a flower-shaped paint palette, a blank sheet of white paper, a clear glass or plastic container with water, a white plastic spoon, a pencil, and a paintbrush. Three small tubes of watercolor paint—red, yellow, and blue—are also visible. The image suggests preparation for a children's art project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Draw your desired pattern on the card paper using a pencil.

On a plain wooden table, a piece of white paper lies flat. A hand holding a pencil is drawing a series of concentric heart shapes on the paper. Another hand is positioned near the bottom left corner of the paper. The image captures the process of creating a layered heart design.

Step 2

Squeeze PVA glue along the pencil lines on the card paper.

A hand holding a bottle of white glue is applying the glue along the lines of a concentric heart design drawn on a white piece of paper. The paper rests on a light wooden surface. Another hand is placed near the bottom left corner of the paper, seemingly holding it in place. The image depicts the process of preparing for a craft activity, likely involving applying colored material to the glue.

Step 3

Sprinkle salt evenly over the card paper, ensuring all glue lines are covered with salt.

A piece of white paper with a concentric heart design made of glue lies on a light wooden table. The glue appears wet. A pale yellow bowl containing a white granular substance, likely salt or sugar, sits next to the paper. A hand holding a white spoon is taking some of the substance from the bowl, presumably to sprinkle it onto the glue design. The image suggests a stage in a craft project.

Step 4

Pour off the excess salt from the card paper.

A white sheet of paper on a light wood surface displays a series of concentric heart shapes. The hearts are formed by white granules, likely salt or sugar, adhered to glue. A partially visible pale yellow bowl sits in the upper right corner. The image showcases a simple art or craft project.

Step 5

Using a paintbrush, dip it in your chosen watercolour paint and gently touch it to the glue lines. If the paint seems too thick, add 2-3 drops of water.

On a light wooden surface, a hand holds a paintbrush with orange paint, about to touch a piece of white paper. On the paper, a series of concentric heart shapes are visible, created with a white granular material, likely salt or sugar, glued to the surface. Another hand is positioned at the bottom left of the paper. The image captures the moment before painting the textured heart design.

Step 6

Try creating different styles of crystal salt paintings using your favourite colours and patterns!

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