Fork Painting Process Art Activity

In this BLOG post I will share how to create this fun and festive spring painting activity.

Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!

XO Gina

This is one of our FAVORITE ways to paint flowers. It is fun, engaging and creates such fun marks on the paper. It is perfect to do 1:1 or in a group.

Use it to explore color names, color mixing or stick to just one color!

It is simple, fun and a great activity for all ages!

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.

Not only is this FUN, but there are also so many learning opportunities.

• What happens when you push the fork into the paint?

• What happens when you push hard on the paper?

• What happens when you push gently?

• What color are you using?

• I wonder what will happen if you mix red and blue.

• I wonder how many times we need to stamp the paper to fill up the entire thing?

Materials:

• Plastic fork

• Washable paint

• Sensory tray or plate for the paint

• Construction paper OR

• Butcher paper

• Painters tape

Step 1: Roll out your paper and tape it down. The butcher paper is not a 'have-to' but I use it to help catch spills and prevent a big painting mess! If you are just using construction paper, perhaps lie newspaper or an old shower curtain underneath to help prevent spills. This makes painting more enjoyable for all!

Step 2: Add a few squirts of paint on to a sensory tray or plate. Use your finger, a marker or a paintbrush to create stems.

Step 3: Dip the plastic fork into the paint.

Step 4: Stamp the on the paper and CREATE beautiful flowers!

Step 5: If you have the space, try this as a vertical play activity!! Tape the paper to the wall, cover your floors and PAINT!

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! .

• Choose an area in your home that is "safe." Find a spot that can be easily wiped clean and won't ruin any surfaces.

Other Process Art Materials:

• Paints (watercolors, tempura, finger paints, etc.

• Crayons, markers, colored pencils.

• Collage materials: magazines, newspapers or scrap paper.

• Nature paintbrushes.

• String or yarn.

• Chalk.

• Scissors and tape (painters' tape or washi tape.

• Bubble wrap.

Are you doing this with more than on kid? GREAT! They have the chance to work on:

• Sharing space

• Using their manners

• Taking turns

• Sharing materials

• Problem solving

• Conflict resolution

Have you ever painted with monster trucks? Check that out HERE!

Check out our DIY Process Art Wall HERE!!!

You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.