In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make homemade shaving cream paint, the benefits of sensory play and my BEST clean-up tips!
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XO Gina
Our recipe for shaving paint only requires 3 ingredients & it takes just a few minutes to make! My 8-year-old is in charge of making it for our family! It is a great way to get creative! It glides on smooth like paint & is easy to clean-up.
Not only is this activity FUN for all ages, but it is also incredibly calming for some kids. Arts and crafts, particularly painting is a great practice in self-regulation. It is known to reduce stress & anxiety in both children & adults. It not only encourages a quiet, peaceful environment but it also allows your brain to focus on the colors & the lines & the brush strokes, providing those "feel good feelings" that we all get when we are doing something we love!
If you have a sensory-sensitive child, you can put this same mixture into a plastic bag and seal it. Then have them squish and squeeze the bag, without ever touching it! This is also a GREAT way to practice writing your name, letters, numbers, shapes or words!
If you are looking for a fun & engaging way to get some time outside, this is it!! While your little artist creates, they will be getting the benefits of fresh air, using their imagination, strengthening motor skills AND being exposed to the magic world of color mixing!
This is also an activity that I use to connect with my four kids. I don't care for pretend play, but I do like to get on the ground and create with them. It's an all-inclusive activity for my family. I can sit and bond with them and each of them can interact with the materials at their own individual levels. It brings us all into each other's worlds. So simple, but so impactful!
Want to extend your learning?
Practice writing letters, numbers, shapes or words in the shaving cream! Even just the process of scribbling is an excellent way to strengthen motor skills and pre-writing skills!
Materials:
Shaving cream
Dish soap
Food coloring
Muffin tin, bowl or cup
Paintbrushes
I like to use a muffin tin because it is easy to clean, easy for my kids to use & I always have them on hand. But you can use any bowl, cup or container that you prefer! This small one is from the Dollar Tree & we use it for painting & crafting & loose parts storage!
If you are worried about spilling, put a sensory tray or baking sheet underneath the muffin tin to catch drips.
Step 1: Squirt the shaving cream into your muffin tin- I don't measure, I just fill up each spot!
Step 2: Add 3-4 drops of food coloring into each spot.
Step 3: Add 1 squirt of dish soap- this will help with the clean-up!
Step 4: Mix each spot in the muffin tin well, until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 5: PLAY!
IMPORTANT:
This is NOT a taste-safe recipe. If you have children who are still exploring with their mouths, I suggest saving this recipe for later.
Check out our Taste-Safe Version HERE!
What is process art?
Process art is open-ended & child led. It is more about the process or creating & exploring of materials than it is the final product.
Process art is fun, unique & beneficial for all ages. If you are looking to incorporate process art into your day, offer a variety of materials & sit back & watch them create!
Benefits of Process Art:
Builds fine motor skills.
Develops creative thinking skills.
Encourages problem solving skills.
Develop decision making skills.
Improves confidence.
What to Paint:
We are fortunate to have an acrylic easel that we LOVE to use, especially during the warm weather months. You can also use this mixture to paint:
A window
A sliding door
The bathtub
A piece of paper
We have never had any issues with color staining surfaces but please always be mindful when using food coloring. If it gets on hands it will wash off with soap.
You can substitute the food coloring with washable paint if you prefer!
Clean up-tips:
For easy clean up: keep wipes nearby, along with a plastic bag or trash bin to discard.
Wear old clothes or a bathing suit, and plan to head to the tub after this fun sensory play!
Take it outdoors! Wash it off with a hose when you're done.
Use an old beach towel or sheet under the bins to catch any spills.
Use the hose to rinse the paint mixture right off!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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