Homemade Glitter Puffy Paint - Homegrown Friends

Our Homemade Glitter Puffy Paint is one of my favorite DIY art materials. They are super simple to make and are the perfect sensory experience. We used them last year to create fun ice cream cones. This time around we added glitter and made three fun bright colors! The thick paint allows you to create three dimensional artwork and dries to an interesting spongy texture. I’m in love with the results!

WHAT YOU NEED TO CREATE HOMEMADE GLITTER PUFFY PAINT

1 can shaving cream
white glue
food coloring
glitter
thick paper like watercolor paper or pieces of cardboard
paintbrushes

AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED BY USING HOMEMADE GLITTER PUFFY PAINT

sensory exploration
creativity
artistic expression
language development
color exploration
fine motor development
paint containers

TIME TO MAKE HOMEMADE GLITTER PUFFY PAINT!

Prior to painting you will need to make the glitter puffy paint. You can do this with the children. Add equal amounts shaving cream and white glue. Stir together. We made three batches in three separate bowls. Add food coloring to each bowl to create desired colors. Add generous amounts of glitter (optional). You can put each glitter puffy paint in smaller containers. I used these plastic trays with three compartments.

Set up painting stations with the glitter puffy paint, paintbrushes and watercolor paper or cardboard pieces.

Give your children the freedom to explore the glitter puffy paint. Remember to focus on the process of the artwork rather than the end result.

When speaking to children about their artwork focus your language on their actions rather than you opinions. “Luca, look at the way the purple paint is mixing with the blue paint. I notice you are moving your arm back and forth to make different paint strokes.”

“Mama, I am making bear prints. I think the baby bear has three finger prints.”

“I want to do it too, Charlotte.”

As my girls worked they noticed that the thicker they spread the paint on the higher it would puff up.

Our Glitter Puffy Paint activity brought a wealth of learning opportunities. My daughters loved the sensory experience and exploring the different ways they could use the paints on the paper. Added bonus: the results are gorgeous!