Even though my son is not naturally drawn to art projects, he likes to get creative when there is some sort of physical activity involved. He likes art which is action oriented: sticking, squirting, mixing, smooshing, spinning and now… rolling.
First, gather materials: baking pans with high sides, paper cut to fit, marbles, washable paint (at least once that marble will escape and roll all over the floor) in bowls with spoons.
I decided to simplify with black and white paint to provide a secret lesson in contrast.
Drop the marbles in paint and use a spoon to get marbles covered in paint. Drop the marbles into tray. FYI, the non-OCD child who can handle getting his hands messy may dispense with the spoon.
Roll the marbles around. I was surprised at how interesting Kiddo thought this was. Instead of going crazy like he usually does, he thoughtfully manipulated and watched the action of the marble. I realized it could also be a science lesson. Hmmmm, future physicist?
We used two different sized baking trays. I wished I had something lighter than this glass pyrex but it did provide excellent control for some back and forth action.
The completed works: 
Kiddo seemed like he was poised to do a few more but then he realized, “Marbles! I should roll these around the apartment, instead!” I was wondering what took him so long. However, the marbles and a paper towel tube did provide him with enough entertainment that I was able to attend to New Kid’s worst. napping. day. evaaaahhh.
Need more action art ideas? Try these:
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So what do you do with all your new marble paintings? We use some for cards that Kiddo sends to his grandparents and we hang some of it up. What else can we do with it besides put it in a box?
For the record, I would like to add that yes, Kiddo does seem to be always wearing his pj’s and while he does spend a lot more time in them now than he used to (pre-New Kid), we do tend to do these activities in the morning while our outdoor excursion happens in the afternoon. For which (hopefully) we get dressed.
Jenny says
My hat is off to you- I can’t believe how many art projects you’ve been doing with Kiddo lately. I’m always afraid that CJ will be in the middle of a massive mess and then the baby will wake up from her nap or something. She would love this though, so I really need to suck it up and get motivated. Sorry New Kid didn’t nap well- it really colors your whole day, doesn’t it?!
Sherry says
As far as what to do with all the art–here are a few ideas I’ve been mulling over in my own head but have yet to act on. 🙂
1) A big fat photo album
2) A three ring binder and hole punch items or put them in plastic sleeves.
3) Install several lines with clothes pins in a hallway or filling one whole wall of a room. Items could very easily be added, taken down to go in the above mentioned book…
As far as hanging goes, we have a bulletin board in the laundry/mud room that he can hang things on. (I keep my refrigerator completely clear. Clutter drives me crazy and a clean fridge front helps.) He has a lot of frames that we periodically change out in the playroom. We’ve taped things to the top of the blind valance in the playroom (we don’t have anything up for window treatments but the blinds). He has a magnetic board that he hangs his current project work/inspiration on (i.e., currently Ancient Egypt), this hangs behind his work table/desk in the family room.
I’d love to hear other people’s ideas on this. I think this is an area MANY of us could use some help with. 😉
Stacie says
I’d probably scan them and then keep the photos of them (or use the images themselves to create stationery or a collage or something)? You could get one of those big frames that holds a lot of photos and rotate new pics of Kiddo’s favorite pieces. Or you could set up a mini-gallery and allow Kiddo to choose which of his masterpieces will be displayed each week before they are scanned and tossed.
I cannot get over how many activities you are managing to do with Kiddo now that New Kid’s in the picture. You’re such a great mom, and Kiddo’s super lucky to have you around!
Tess says
I’m new to your blog and reading through the archives. I’m really enjoying myself! I have a small suggestion for what to do with the art Kiddo produces. When I started scrapbooking, I didn’t want to fork out a lot for fancy papers. Instead, I used hand decorated papers. Could you do something similar for Kiddo? Use them as mounts and surrounds for project posters or use them as backing papers for Kiddo’s own photo scrapbook?
Best Wishes, Teresa