I know you’re out there. You know the benefits of painting with kids and cannot see past the mess. Understandably so. Allow me to introduce you to sponge painting Valentine’s hearts. Your painting ambition is about to see a new light with this easy, peasy Valentine’s craft for your toddler or preschooler.
RELATED: We just put together 40+ fantastic painting activities for kids.
What’s great about sponge painting
I am sure my little Kindergarten self spent some time stamping paint with a sponge in my early years. The setup is effortless, and so is the cleanup that follows. Toss the sponges in the sink, and they wash off in a flash.
Not only is color easily blended on the hearts as children paint, but they are strengthening their fingers for pencil grip down the road. Again, my Kindergarten teacher in 1985 was onto something when she brought out the cut sponges.
RELATED: I see you, February! Here are 40+ Valentine’s Day activities.
What I noticed as my kids paint
As my five-year-old worked, he devised a new sponge painting technique for each heart. He took this very seriously and impressed himself as he twirled the sponge on the heart!
Same supplies, yet every single heart looks different. Just like these rainbow hearts we did here. Remember, art activities for kids can be simple. We aren’t taking pictures for Pinterest. (Well, some of us aren’t)
RELATED: Looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day? Try this pancake buffet!
Supplies
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I cover the table with builder’s paper to protect the table from the paint. You can find this paper at home improvement stores. An alternative is cutting brown paper bags open and laying them flat before painting.
You will also need an unused sponge and adult scissors to cut the sponge into strips.
We keep most of our art supplies in this art cart, but I keep the liquid paint (and glitter glue) up high. – I’ve learned from experience with both of these! Yikes!
Kid’s Paintbrushes
Toddlers and preschoolers benefit from a chubby handle on a paintbrush. I like how there are two different brush styles for children to explore.
Washable Paint
If this is your first time painting, start with this variety pack of washable paint and upgrade to larger bottles when ready.
White Construction Paper
This white construction paper works well for painting projects.
How to set up sponge painting
- Cover the table with builder’s paper to protect the table from the paint.
- Snip unused sponges into squares and long strips.
- Add red paint to a bowl or cardboard container. Here I am using the top of an egg carton.
- Stack a few pieces of white paper and cut out several white hearts at a time. I fold the paper in half to ensure my heart is symmetric.
- Invite your child to paint the hearts using the sponges.
This Valentine’s painting is as simple as it looks! – even Batman can do it.
Watch as your child paint’s the hearts red. Let them air dry and hand on the kitchen window for a little Valentine’s Day decor.
Not sure about my window idea? I have alternatives for how to display child art in this post.
More Valentine’s Day Activities:
- Flower Sensory Bin (great for a few days after with wilted flowers)
- Heart Match and Count
- Hidden Heart Cloud Dough
FAQ
In the early years, our family painted many rocks and sticks. They were simple to gather and helped improve fine motor grip through a creative lens.
I wrote how to paint with kids after years of experience and many mistakes. Inside this post, you will find my genius tip when painting with toddlers at home to keep the mess contained.
In my experience, we have used washable watercolors, washable tempera paint, and washable tempera paint in a pallet.
