I’d like to go on record saying that paint dots might be one of the most underrated art supply for kids ever. It’s true! I think the problem is that we all just assume they are for dot making and that’s it. Check out this paint dot mural. It’s made with paint dots and paint dots only and it’s beautiful. It’s actually a collaborative mural my girls and I did equally. My 2 and half year old may have done the most actually. She was in the zone with this one.
The mural is actually really big. We worked on it the three of us for about an hour. I’ve found that when I don’t have my camera on me and I am 100% engaged in the activity with my kids, they stay with it so much longer. That seems kind of obvious now that I’m writing it. Of course they are into the art if I’m doing it with them, wholeheartedly, with no distractions. It reminds of the quote “Kid’s spell love…T-I-M-E,” by John Crudele. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. I really need to put my phone/computer down and be with my kids more. Anyway, back to my fleeting successful hour and half of parenting where I was totally engaged.
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Materials
You only need two things for this activity.
paper (we used about 6 ft of white butcher paper
Now the trick to using paint dots so they are actually awesome is to forget they have anything to do with dots. Instead use them as big fat paint brushes that need a little squeeze to get going. Yup, you have to make the paint really come out the sponge top so that you can rub it back and forth, side to side, up and down on the paper. You can squeeze them as much as you want and go ahead and draw your pictures. My little one loves them because she can see great color on the paper by rubbing hard back and forth and pushing down on the paper. They offer a great sensory experience for kids. So that’s the secret really. There’s not much beyond that but sometimes it takes an adult to demonstrate how to use them because kids just tend to dot with them. And don’t get me wrong, dots can be fun too and if you look closely you will see dots on our mural. I just think it’s worth pointing out that Paint Dots
Now, back to the reason you don’t see my kids actually painting the mural. Remember when I was mother of the year and not on my phone and not on the computer and was just activitely engaged in this mural? Yeah, that’s why I have no action shots. BUT, we loved our mural so much that my kids agreed to do a little photo shoot in from t of it! Now that makes a a blogging mama happy.
Don’t ask why my two year old is posing naked. Well, you can ask. Basically, I have to practically beg her to put clothes on. This girl loves to be naked. Anyone else have a kid like that? She takes one step threw the door after school and bam, she’s up to her old tricks.
Anyway, I also want to mention that Paint Dots
If you don’t have paint dots on your art cart, maybe this post convinced you. They come in lots of great colors too. They have shimmer ones
Thanks for reading along everyone. Hope this helps for your next play date or just a family afternoon. xo Meri
Gorgeous mural Meri! But if you rub those dot paints back and forth, the little spongy tip will tear and eventually come off. the result is not a nice round dot but a donut hole without the donut.
i wish i didn’t need to caution my students to make only dots.
Oh no! We had that experience with one but our dots are pretty hold so I figured it was from age. Thanks for the heads up. Booo. I will test it out. Did the tips where quickly for you?
Ive never seen dot markers in any store in India! i looked and looked!
Anyways, I love your blog!! every time I see a post emailed I always open and see immediately! I WANT to know what you guys have created!
I love painting with my kid too, he insists on it. MOST work is collaborative! I guess it sets a good example too- they’ll want to paint more if we’re doing it together or we’re around doing the same too.
Keep em coming! Hugsss 🙂
What a lovely message. Thank you so so much. It feels so good to read your kind words. Thank you. Wish I had a suggestion for you in terms of the paint dots but super psyched I can connect with people like you from so far away! Thanks for reading along!!!
Hello Swapna. These markers are available on amazon.in and here is the link http://www.amazon.in/Do-Dot-Marker-Brilliant-6-pack/dp/B00004W3Y5/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453634851&sr=8-2&keywords=Do+A+Dot+Art+Marker+Brilliant+6-pack.
Far too expensive than the $16 price tag on the american website. But still, if you like and can afford, you may still order.
@meri cherry- you are indeed stupendous. Love everything about your blog. Thank you for being so creative and inspiring many others, through the globe.
Regards,
Maitrayee
Thank you so much! Sorry the price tag is so high out of the states.
This is amazing Meri! I’ve never used these dot paints but absolutely can’t wait to try them! The results are out of this world!!! What a gorgeous piece! Love all the adorable photos!!! You teach me so much Meri!!! #thankfulforYOU
Man, you’ve got a way with flattery miss Ami. Thank you!!! We love Paint Dots! Though I was just warned that if you rub too hard the sponge might come off the top, just fyi. I have to adjust the post. Regardless, you’re the best and I learn so much from you too!
These look like so much fun! Are they washable?
Whenever I do art with my 2 year old daughter, I always take a step back because I want it to be HER art, not mine. I have to stop thinking of it like that. I know she’d enjoy the experience that much more if I joined her.
Thanks for the suggestions!
I find that they come off pretty easily in the wash but don’t want to make any promises : ) And I totally get where you’re coming from. I think there is room for both experiences. Just enjoy and thanks for reading along!
How Cool! My girls have discovered this way of using paint dots on smaller sized paper, but the effect on a huge mural is beautiful! My 3 yr old also loves to take her clothes off whenever possible 🙂 Sometimes when guests come over, she’ll open the door, strip down, and say, ready to play!
Ha, we both have little tushy girls. I love it. “Ready to play!” and yes, doing it BIG is so much fun!
this post is gorgeous, i’m going to do this with my summer camp kids for sure! i love collaborative art the best, it keeps them engaged for longer and they are just chatty and happy. you are so smart to use the paint dots this way!!! sharing on my FB page 🙂 xoxo bar
Thanks Bar!! Great for parties too I think. xoxoxo
This looks like sooo much fun! Can’t find it in Canada though. Any alternative suggestions?
Thanks so much for your lovely blog.
Hmm…that’s a tough one Maureen. Any relatives in the states that might be able to send a pack your way? Wish I could be more helpful!