This is a great little craft for young kids to do in the summer – especially good to do outside where they can be free to make a bit of mess! My little guy loved this craft and has already been asking when we can do it again. All you need is a bit of liquid glue (either white or clear will do), some regular table salt and either watercolor paints or food coloring, some paintbrushes and paper, and you’re set!
Kids will love the process of this craft, perhaps even more than the finished product. My son was busy all morning playing around with colors on his pictures and loves watching the color added to the salt travel along the path the glue had created and meld together with the other colors on the paper – it really is neat to see and sort of mesmerizing! My son loved seeing which colors would mix to make other colors.
What You Will Need
- liquid glue – white or clear
- thick paper or cardstock
- table salt
- food coloring or watercolor paints
- paintbrushes
- water
Salt ‘Abstract Art’ Process
- Start by having your child make a design on their paper with the glue – the crazier the better!
- Then have them sprinkle lots of table salt on top.
- Shake off the excess salt onto a plate so it can be used for another artwork. You’ll be left with lines of glue covered neatly with salt.
4. Put some food coloring and water or watercolor paints into a palette or small cups.
5. Using the paintbrush, have your little one add drops of color to the salt lines on the paper – watch it as it spreads along the salt lines!
6. Continue adding color to the salt lines on the page – leaving some white areas has a nice effect too, though kids will likely want to color it all!
6. Let page dry completely before hanging up – it might take a couple days! A little of the salt may flake off as it dries. Add a light coating of spray fixative to prevent this if your child would like to keep their work longer-term!
I love the way my son’s piece turned out (above)! The glue lines on my page looked a little too controlled, but I love the way that small kids will make art with true reckless abandon, haha!
My little guy loved the process of this craft and it’s a nice learning activity too, as kids can play with color mixing and see which colors make new colors as they blend along the salt lines.
I hope you and your little ones have enjoyed this craft! We had so much fun creating these pieces together and hope you will too!
Wishing you and happy and creative day!
