Looking for an easy winter art activity? You’ve come to the right place. With all ages home for winter break, this easy winter art idea is a crowd-pleaser for many. (Don’t be surprised if you join) Painting with tissue paper is not only easy; it’s brilliant.
Related: Home with toddlers and preschoolers? Check out these 40 winter activities for kids.
Why I created winter mittens
As a room mom for my five-year-old’s class, I needed an art idea for the winter party. Naturally, I want something simple. – a small number of supplies and easy cleanup. I am sure the teachers could appreciate this mission as well.
Rather than coming hot with a complicated craft idea from the infamous Pinterest, I took a note from the great Eric Carle. We painted the winter mittens using tissue paper, glue, and water. Naturally, we tested the winter art activity at home before bringing it to 20 ambitious children at the winter holiday party.
Related: Want to hear something wild? Painting activities for kids don’t always use paint!
Gluing and painting technique
Mix liquid glue with water at a 75/25 (ish) ratio. It was just enough to keep the glue gooey. Now I know that I am not giving you exact measuring amounts. The key is to mix and see what’s needed as you go.
To paint, place the tissue paper on the mitten and then brush over it with the glue/water mixture.
Pro Tip: Too much water may rip the paper so add a little at a time. If the glue feels too watery, add a little more glue and mix.
RELATED: Looking for art supplies in one place? Here are our favorite art supplies for kids.
Supply list
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What can you do with the leftover tissue paper squares? I will not leave you hanging with a drawer filled with paper. Check out the Easter art, tissue paper ornaments, and pumpkin art.
Chubby Paintbrushes
Liquid Glue
Tissue Paper
White Construction Paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Draw a large mitten on the paper.
- Rip scraps of tissue paper or lay out the tissue paper squares. (I added them to the supply list above for no prep work)
- Add water to the glue with a paintbrush.
- Demonstrate how to lay one piece of tissue paper on the mitten and “paint” over it with the glue/water solution.
- Watch and chat about how the colors change as more layers are added.
- Let the mitten dry completely.
- Cut the mitten.
- Hang! (or gift to a friend or family member)
Good news! You really can’t go wrong with this activity. Stay flexible and allow colors to blend as your child takes the lead. The winter mitten activity will take its shape from your child’s creativity. When finished, store the tissue paper squares in the art cart for more independent artwork.
RELATED: Looking for low-prep preschool activities? You know I’ve got you.
The kids take the lead.
One thing I pay close attention to as I scroll ideas on Pinterest is whether or not it looks like the child did the activity. If something looks too perfect, I am moving on.
I look for process art that screams child created. Every mitten painted has its unique look. – This is what makes THIS easy winter art idea great.
What happens once the mittens dry? Here are some simple (and inexpensive) ways to display kids’ artwork.
More play ideas for winter
FAQ
Add these 40 winter activities for kids to your routine! These wintery ideas are broken down into four categories: outdoor snow play, winter art activities, indoor winter play ideas, and a winter book list.
When making the glue and water combination, use more glue than water. We want the consistency to be like wet glue. If the construction paper starts to rip, add more glue to the mixture.
Remember, this art activity is process art, meaning the child takes the lead. Toddlers can cover one mitten and preschoolers may do two or three. When the mitten dries, cut it out and hang to display.