If you follow me on Instagram you know I am a huge fan of using drop cloths as a painting surface in my classes. I’m always brainstorming new ways to approach projects for my youngest group of friends who are 18 months to 3 years old. I love these acrylic paintings over at ArtBar and was inspired to create a version for my littlest friends. These Watercolor Embroidery Hoop Paintings are so much fun to create and would even look amazing hanging as ornaments on a Christmas Tree.
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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE WATERCOLOR EMBROIDERY HOOP PAINTINGS
drop cloth- we buy this kind– it is inexpensive and durable
small embroidery hoops- these are the exact ones we purchased
liquid watercolor paints- here is my favorite brand
small paint containers
paint brushes
twine, ribbon or yarn
HOW TO MAKE THE WATERCOLOR EMBROIDERY HOOP PAINTINGS
Prior to introducing the activity create one hoop for each child. Cut square pieces of drop cloth making the squares about 2 inches wider on every side than the embroidery hoops. Secure the squares into the hoops with the cloth side up. Trim the edges of the cloth. Tie a loop of twine at the top of each hoop.
Set up one hoop per child with an assortment of watercolor paints. I like to keep the paints in small glass baby food jars. For this session I included pink, yellow and turquoise to encourage color mixing exploration.
Invite children to explore the paints on their hoops. There is no right or wrong way to approach this project as it is all about the process.
As the children work focus on their actions. Look at the way the yellow and blue mixed together! I see a new color! I notice you are adding a lot of pink to your work today.
When children decide they are finished let the paintings dry completely. Once dry the watercolor embroidery hoop painting are perfect for hanging in a window, on a wall or would even make gorgeous Christmas Tree Decorations.
Check out the gorgeous details!