I know I’ve shared about our all time favorite process art for kids before, salt painting, but this one was a first for us, salt painting over your art work. It’s so so cool and the kids loved it. Not to mention the results were pretty outstanding, don’t you think? I’ll walk you through the process but pretty much, if you are familiar with salt painting (we have a great salt painting video here on my youtube channel) then you’re already ahead of the game.
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Here is what you’ll need…
Materials
chalk pastels
table salt
white glue (buying in bulk
Steps
1. First, we made a colorful background using the chalk pastels
2. Next, we did an observational drawing of a vase of flowers in oil pastels over our color background. We talked about the shapes of the flowers and then drew what we saw. Everyone’s looked so different. That is always something I look for and enjoy when working with groups of children.
3. Next, we traced over our flower drawing with white glue. Kids never get tired of squeezing. It’s just so satisfying.
4. The last step is to sprinkle salt all over the glue, shake off the excess and use the liquid droppers to squeeze liquid watercolors over the salt. If you’ve never tried this before, take a minute to click over here to this salt painting post and you’ll see what I mean. It’s super cool and easy and fun to do with all ages.
We let them dry overnight and then framed them. Some of the salt does fall off but I find if you frame them right away they will last. If you spray the whole thing with a spray adhesive
How do you like this process? Will you give it a try? As an art teacher I really like to encourage multi layered art works. Art is a process that can be lost in the “1,2,3 I’m done” mindset that some kids have. I find that doing layered work creates a slower process where students work more carefully and are more engaged in the experience. Salt painting collage is actually one of my favorites to do with young children.
Thanks for following along everyone. I know I’ve been posting less lately. It’s because I am working extra hard on some other big projects that I’m so excited about, like a new ebook filled with really helpful art tips for teachers and parents. I can’t wait to share it with you!! xo Meri
Great idea using the pastels under the salt painting technique. Adds a new dimension. I teach kids art at the local art gallery and will be doing this great process art as soon as the weather is dryer. Thanks for the great presentation.
I’m so glad. I really love this project. If you want them to last you’ll need to coat with modge podge. Not sure if I wrote that in the post. Have fun!
I love your blog so much. I found your about page very inspiring. This is such a wonderful project. I plan to do this with my own kids (ages 5 and 6) and the kids I work with at an elementary school. I am a social worker. I clicked on some of your links to buy supplies but the link for the liquid water colors and droppers don’t work. Can you tell me what are the products you recommend. I saw the above comment. You had posted to do a spray adhesive but is mod podge preferable? Thank you so much!
Hi Christine. Thank you! Both should be up and running now. And in terms of saving, mod podge has worked for me. Or regular white glue. Hope that helps. Have fun! Meri
Hi Meri. I am so glad I found your site. I teach art and my students range from ages 5 to 100. BUT I am lost at preschool art, and have a couple of groups coming up. We only have 45 minutes and they have to take it home with them. I am leaning towards an oil pastel resist with watercolor. Your site, besides giving me project ideas, has opened me to their skill levels. Don’t want to be too simple and boring , or too complicated. Thank you. I will check out your ebook too.
Can you paint on the salt before the glue dries?