The most simple paint in the world for toddlers is yogurt paint. We make it all the time and it’s so easy. It’s yogurt and food coloring. That’s it. The colors are so vibrant and it works on all kinds of surfaces. This week in art play group I brought out our plexiglass painting stand and had a painting party. It was so much fun! The kids surrounded the painting easel on both sides and painted till their hearts content. This is one of those activities I could watch all day. It’s just so magical. Without fail one of the kids will ask for someone to put their face up against the glass so they can “paint it.” It’s so cute. My only regret in making this acrylic painting stand is that it’s not wider. I would love the plexiglass to be about 5 feet wide. I have no idea where we’d keep it if that was the case, but that would be seriously cool. Until then, this one is pretty amazing.
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If making a large wooden plexiglass painting easel is a bit much for you, but you still want to give something like this a try, I have some ideas for you. One idea that’s super easy and ready to go is to paint the window. Yup, make some yogurt paint, put a towel on the floor and go for it. It’s really easy to wash off. Just make sure you don’t use too much food coloring. You don’t want to accidentally stain your walls. You can do it outside going in too, which might work better for you. Another idea is to buy a smaller piece of plexiglass
on Amazon. Teach Preschool shows a great way to paint on plexiglass here. Lastly, you can try a variation of plexiglass painting by using transparency paper
. Tape a few sheets up to the window or place it on the table over a favorite picture. My kindergarteners loved to use sharpies on transparency paper. It’s just a great unusual surface to paint and draw on.
I can’t get enough of these kids painting with all these great colors. It’s just so pretty. If you want to see how I kinda sorta made this acrylic stand click on over to this post called Acrylic Paint Stand. I got seriously lucky on how it was made. Maybe I’ll get lucky and someone will make me a 5 footer next time. Happy painting!
Brilliant! I love the plexiglass easel!
Thanks Ana!! We have so much fun with this!
I’ve actually been using small pieces of plexiglass in my art classes with kids to have them copy object thru the glass. They use dry erase markers. They love it
Great idea! I love plexiglass. There are just so many things you can do with it!
Plexiglas has always been a favorite of mine, and kids just love looking through both sides, like a window. These photos are so beautiful, Meri. Keep doing wonderful art with children! And thank you.
I have a question… Could one not use fingerpaints (which do not stain) and just have the kids paint in the shower (which is very easy to clean… just spray with the shower head)? I like the idea of the yogurt paint, because it’s so non-toxic, though… but worried about staining. 🙂 Your post inspired me to try painting the fiberglass shower door. I guess I’m not brave enough to try the sliding glass door yet!
Hi Kara. I’m glad you’re feeling inspired. You can definitely try fingerprints, shaving cream, flour and water, yogurt, really anything you feel comfortable with. If you just put a little dab of food coloring you should be fine as far as stains are concerned. Hope you go for it! Keep me posted.
Hi…could you give me rough dimensions of the plexiglass as it is currently. Attempting to make this for my reception class (UK) before we go back…it’s going to be an awesome addition to our outdoor area!
I scored a plexiglass easel at Goodwill for 10$! Tried the yogurt paint for my 2 and 5 year old. Brilliant. The best part was a gave them a squirt bottle and they cleaned the paint off themselves. The first self-cleaning art project I’ve ever encountered. Thanks!
Yay! Terrific! And what a score!!