Finger Paints

Last year Brigham got a set of finger paints for his birthday. Yesterday, we opened them. I have been waiting for a day with no rain, the right set-up on the back porch, and aprons for all the kids. Speaking of the right set-up, let me share my fabulous idea.

I have been looking for some kind of a surface for the kids to do art work on that is big enough for a massive piece of work, or several small pieces. I wanted it to be vertical, because a vertical surface is more conducive for kids to learn proper pencil grip. And, I wanted it to be weather-able and inexpensive. I love plexi-glass. I went to Home Depot and bought a sheet of plexi that was 48"x36" for about $20. I drilled a set of holes in the top and bottom corners and used some heavy string to tie the plexi to our back porch.

Then I just use binder clips to attach the paper for the artwork. I have to say, it is one of my more brilliant ideas. The kids now have a place to work and I don't have to worry about my floors; a quick rinse with the hose and we are ready to go.

So, we pulled out the finger paints and went to work. A word to the wise - DO NOT USE FINGER PAINTS THAT ARE NOT WASHABLE! Aprons are no match against small children with finger paints. What I did not anticipate was the kids stepping in the paint. I finally had to remind myself that the paints are expendable. It really isn't going to hurt if Paul mixes bright yellow and purple or if Brigham dumps the gold on the porch. Joy wasn't really impressed when the boys started painting on her paper, but she quickly got over that when I told her she could paint on theirs.