Valentine’s Day Art Activity for Kids: Heart Resist Painting
This easy Valentine’s Day art activity for kids uses watercolors and contact paper to create beautiful heart resist art that is perfect for making decorations, gifts, and Valentine’s Day cards.
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Looking for a simple Valentine’s Day art activity for kids? Try heart resist art, a fun watercolor painting activity that is easy enough for kids of all ages and will result in some beautiful heart-themed decorations!
I did this project with my seven-year-old son when he was home sick from school one day recently., and he loved it!
It’s an easy project to set up, and it’s one of those golden activities that works well for all ages. It’s easy enough for a toddler to paint all over the page, but older kids can dive into more intentional experimenting with color-mixing, and composition. Even as an adult, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to sit and play with paint as I layered various colors of circles onto the page.
Want to do this project with your kids? Here’s how!
How to Create Heart Resist Paintings
Materials Needed:
- Watercolor paper or canvas
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Contact paper
- Scissors
- Cup of water
- Paper towels
Instructions:
1. Prepare the hearts: Cut out various heart shapes from contact paper.
2. Stick them on: Place the heart cutouts onto your watercolor paper or canvas. Make sure you press them down firmly and smooth out any air bubbles so that no paint leaks under the edges.
3. Paint your masterpiece: Using watercolor paints, create a colorful background over and around the hearts. Experiment with stripes, ombre blends, splashes, or any other fun designs! There are no rules to this part, although I recommend you make sure to cover the whole page in color so that the negative space stands out once you remove the contact paper. (Note: You could also use acrylic or kids washable paints.)
4. Let it dry: Once you’re satisfied with your painting, allow it to dry completely.
5. Reveal the magic: Carefully peel off the contact paper hearts to reveal crisp, white heart shapes underneath!
6. Display and enjoy. It’s that simple!
Ideas for what to do with your finished painting:
- Make homemade Valentine’s cards by cutting the artwork into smaller pieces.
- Frame it and hang it up on the wall…or gift it to a loved one.
- Create a banner by stringing multiple paintings (or cut-out pieces) together.
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! I hope you enjoy this simple project with your kids.
Want more Valentine’s Day activities for kids? Try these!