Salt Painting Craft Tutorial: Christmas Craft for Kids

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make this fun and festive Christmas craft.

If you’re looking for a holiday craft that’s equal parts magical, low-prep, and toddler-approved… salt painting Christmas trees is one of the easiest wins of the season.

It blends art + sensory play, works for mixed-age groups, and creates those gorgeous, textured paintings you’ll actually want to display through December.

Don’t want to make a tree? That’s OK! Make an ornament, a heart or just a squiggly shape!

Want to incorporate academics in? Make letters, numbers or even sight words!

The possibilities for learning and play are endless!

Why Kids Love Salt Painting

Salt painting turns regular watercolor art into a sensory experience. Kids get to:

• Squeeze glue (hello, motor skills!)

• Sprinkle salt and watch it sparkle

• See paint magically travel along the salt

• Make a Christmas tree design that feels 3D and textured

It’s calming, process-focused, and truly feels like a little bit of Christmas magic.

Materials:

• Salt

• Construction paper

• Liquid glue (bottle works best!)

• Paintbrush

• Watercolor paints

• Cup of water

• Sensory tray or baking sheet to catch spills

Step 1: Draw Your Tree

Kids can freehand their own pine tree or trace a simple outline.

For toddlers, draw the lines ahead of time and let them do the paint magic.

Step 2: Trace the Lines With Glue

Have your child follow the outline with glue.

Thick lines = prettier results!

Step 3: Cover with Salt

Sprinkle salt generously over the glue.

Tap gently to remove the extra — this is always kids’ favorite part.

Step 4: Add the Color

Use a wet brush or pipette to touch watercolor drops onto the salted glue.

The paint will instantly spread and follow the glue lines.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Once it dries, the tree stays sparkly and raised with beautiful, blended colors.

Try these fun twists:

• Rainbow tree: Let kids add every color they want.

• Snowy tree: Use blue + silver watercolors for a frosty look.

• Ornament spots: Add dots of glue around the tree to create “bulbs” that soak up color.

• Add gems: Pop a star sticker on top or add sequins before it dries.

This simple craft builds:

• Fine motor skills

• Color mixing exploration

• Hand-eye coordination

• Sensory processing

• Creative confidence

Holiday crafts don’t need to be elaborate. It’s about connection and giving kids a low-pressure way to express themselves.

These make beautiful classroom displays, grandparent gifts, or an easy morning craft during winter break.

And because every painting turns out different, the final artwork always feels special.

Looking for more Christmas Crafts? Check these out!

Christmas Handprint Tree Craft

Christmas Sun Catcher

Christmas Puffy Paint

Candy Cane Fingerprint Craft