Marble painting is a fun process art activity for kids, and this Valentine’s-themed version can be recycled to make adorable (and easy) Valentine’s cards.
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Have you ever done marble painting?
It’s a simple process art activity that kids love! There’s something about watching the paint-covered marbles roll around on the paper as you tilt the box, never sure exactly what their movement will create.
It’s a game…art…and science exploration all rolled into one activity!
Bonus: All the mess stays contained inside the cardboard box, so clean up is easy peasy.
So…grab the box from your latest Amazon delivery (Do you have as many of those lying around as I do?), and let’s get creative!
Valentine’s Marble Painting for Kids
What we’re learning:
- Color mixing
- Science (laws of motion, friction, etc.)
- Hand-eye coordination (kids have to focus on which way to move the box to get the marble to go where they want it to go)
Supplies:
- marbles
- paint (this is the washable paint we use all the time)
- thick paper (cardstock or construction paper)
- cardboard box (big enough for a piece of paper to lay flat inside)
Directions:
- Place a piece of paper into a box (hooray for recycling!). Make sure it is laying flat.
- Drop some small dabs of paint in whatever colors you want to use (we did red, purple, pink, and white for Valentine’s Day) on the paper in the box.
- Invite your child to drop marbles in the box, then tilt the box to make the marbles roll around.
- Experiment with how different ways of moving the box affect the ways in which the marbles “paint” on the paper. Ask questions like, “What happens if you shake it fast? Or slow? How are the paint lines you create different when you move the box in a circular motion instead of back and forth?”
- Alternatively, you can have your child drop marbles into a small cup of paint, then drop them into the box and roll them across the paper.
- Remove the paper from the box carefully and set it somewhere safe to dry.
Now, what to DO with this fun process art?
Process art isn’t really meant to lead to an end product. It’s all about the process. It’s okay to just enjoy the experience and not worry about doing anything further.
But, if you want to keep creating…
Once your paintings are completely dry, try cutting shapes out of the painted paper (like hearts) and using them to make a super simple kid-made Valentine’s Day card, perfect for mailing off to Grandmas and Grandpas or anyone else who needs a little extra love! (and isn’t that everyone, really?)
Enjoy!
Want more fun Valentine’s Day Activities for kids? Try these!
- Valentine’s Day Secret Code Love Notes for Kids
- Heart Monsters: simple Valentine’s Day craft for kids
- 5-in-1 Valentine’s learning game for preschoolers
- Valentine’s alphabet treasure hunt
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