A few weeks ago we took the girls to the beach and on our way there we passed some sort of forest excavation site where literally 100’s of tree stumps were laying on the road for people to take.  It was sad for the trees but awesome for the patrons.  The stumps were going fast too.  Ev and I grabbed three and jammed them into the back of the car as fast as we could.  This one is my favorite because I am sure if it could talk it would say “paint me!”  As soon as we saw it we knew it would be perfect for toddler painting.  We tried it out this week at art play group and it was such a hit!  I could have watched these kids tree stump paint all day.  They loved it!

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I set out spray bottles with colored water and non-spill paint cups filled with the primary colors.  I watered down non-toxic tempera paints to stretch the paint a little and make it softer on the tree.  I think this will be an ongoing art station in our art play house.  We haven’t even gotten to the bark yet.  So many great textures and surfaces to explore.  These two even painted in sync!

I absolutely love incorporating nature into art play.  There is something so inspiring about the simplicity of this.  It kind of makes me want to paint my face and body, wear feathers in my hair and start a drum circle.  Is that totally weird?  C’mon…who’s with me?