Make a Straw-Blown Painting!

Kids love to experiment with cause and effect, and it's no secret that they love to paint, too. Put the 'fun' in 'funky' with this exciting project that harnesses their own breath to make art! It's simple--just get a straw, some paints, and a piece of paper and your child will be ready to create a masterpiece that's so unique, you might even want to join in on the fun!

What You Need:

• A rimmed baking sheet
• Tin foil
• White paper
• Tempera paint or watercolor paint in assorted colors
• A cup of water
• A plastic straw

What to Do:

1. Line the baking sheet with tin foil to protect it from the paint. You might also want to lay out newspapers, just in case the paint splatters.
2. Put the piece of paper on the baking sheet.
3. Invite your child to pour tiny puddles of paint in a couple spots on the paper. Encourage her to use a few different colors. Since her hands may not be as steady as yours, be prepared to help her out! Note: Adding a few drops of water will help the paint spread a little more easily.
4. Hand her the straw and get her to blow as hard as she can on the different puddles! Invite her to experiment by blowing hard and soft and in different directions to see what kind of results she gets.
5. When she's finished, let it lay flat to dry and then hang them up around the house for a dash of funky, colorful flair! For some extra fun, try finding shapes in the picture--does it look like a tree? An octopus? A monster? Use a marker to draw faces onto the painting to create some kooky creatures!