I recently shared cotton ball painting on Instagram and I got such a great reaction that I wanted to talk about it a little more here! Cotton ball painting is a simple activity and it works especially great for toddlers and preschoolers!

Goose and Belle love doing art projects and this usually keeps them busy for a while. Sometimes I hesitate when it comes to painting because I can’t stand giant messes, but this manages to stay pretty tidy.

Here’s all you need for cotton ball painting:

• cotton balls
• clothespins
• paint
• paper

Clip one cotton ball on each clothespin, dip it in the paint, and start creating! You don’t need very much paint on the cotton balls, just a little dip will do. We keep extra cotton balls nearby just in case my little artists are less than gentle.

A muffin tin isn’t a requirement, but it helps keep things neater. It’s also great for mixing paint together and talking about the new colors you can make.

To paint, your little ones can do a stamping movement or use strokes, like a paintbrush. Whatever you decide, your child is exercising their fingers and getting awesome fine motor practice.

Cotton ball painting makes really cool textures that I think would work beautifully for a nature picture. I definitely see us using this for animal fur or leaves on trees.

And like most art activities, this allows for a ton of self-expression and imagination. You can have a theme or topic in mind, but there are no limits to what your kiddos can create! Belle is almost two and she mostly likes mixing the colors up, but Goose is approaching four so her pictures are more intentional.

Another easy craft we love doing is tear art! And if you’re having trouble with the aftermath, see how I taught my kids to help clean up!

For more like this, try our cotton ball painting snowmen and cotton ball heart painting!

What are some crafts your kids like? Tell me in the comments! I’m always on the hunt for fun activities to do with my girls!

Talk to you soon!