Art – WonderHouse of Littles https://wonderhouseoflittles.com Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:13:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-logo-32x32.png Art – WonderHouse of Littles https://wonderhouseoflittles.com 32 32 Ocean-Themed Transient Art on Kinetic Sand https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/ocean-themed-transient-art-on-kinetic-sand/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/ocean-themed-transient-art-on-kinetic-sand/#respond Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:02:47 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=368

Ocean-Themed Transient Art on Kinetic Sand​

My daughter loves kinetic sand and I find it is a great option for sensory play, especially in the summertime. I observed her pressing shells into it one time so I set up this simple ocean-themed transient art tray so she could explore this further.

I provided different types of seashells, a few ocean-themed cookie cutters so she could create images, and a few tools. I left the set on her activity table as an invitation to play. When she saw it, she went straight to it.

I love transient art because:

  • It is open-ended and process-driven. There is no final product to be achieved or any set of expectations on the child. It’s just about the joy of creating and being in the moment.
  • It enables the child to explore and express their creativity freely.
  • It makes for a rich sensory experience. They can manipulate, explore and experiment with the materials, different textures, colors, shapes, etc.
  • Loose parts also provide endless opportunities for extended learning: sorting, pattern making, exploring shapes, learning about symmetry, and so much more.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/ocean-themed-transient-art-on-kinetic-sand/feed/ 0 Tissue Paper Rainbow https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/tissue-paper-rainbow/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/tissue-paper-rainbow/#respond Wed, 07 Jun 2023 06:38:37 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=6252

Tissue Paper Rainbow

 
This activity is perfect to work those little fingers!
 
It helps to strengthen hand and finger muscles, refine fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, develop concentration and more.
 
It’s also easy to set up!
 
All you need is:
 
– some cotton
– a rainbow printout (you can also simply draw one yourself.)
– double-sided tape
 
Tape the printout to the table so it doesn’t move when the child is working. Then use the double sided tape on top of the rainbow image.
 
Model scrunching the paper with your fingers (using only your thumb, index and middle fingers) and sticking it to the surface of the rainbow. Then invite the child to do the same!
 
Did you know that scrunching/crumpling paper helps develop and strengthen the same muscles used for handwriting?
 
Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/tissue-paper-rainbow/feed/ 0 Spring Art Trays https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/spring-art-trays/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/spring-art-trays/#respond Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:47:32 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=6259

Spring Art Trays

When Spring arrives I love to refresh my daughter’s art trays with a spring twist.

Here are a few ideas for Spring-inspired art trays:

Insect Stickers

For young toddlers, you can peel the stickers from the base and stick them on the edge of a small tray to make it easier for the child to get the stickers.

Find them here.

Leaf Cutting with Scissors

If your child us just now starting to learn how to use scissors, we recommend this type of scissor to start out.

Rainbow & Butterfly Stamp

From Melissa & Doug’s Friendship Stamp set.

 

Flower Glueing

Using flower petals and leaves, non-toxic glue and brush.

For a non-toxic glue recipe, please see this post.

Spring-inspired Playdough

With flower petals and butterfly playdough cutters.

Insect Hole Punch

Find it here.

Butterfly Painting

Leaf Rubbing

Using Carioca Baby Wax Bear Pencils, perfect for toddlers.

 

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/spring-art-trays/feed/ 0 Art Tray Ideas https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/art-tray-ideas/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/art-tray-ideas/#respond Sun, 28 May 2023 18:43:16 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=4520

Art Tray Ideas 

When it comes to art trays for young toddlers, keeping it simple and open-ended is key. The most important thing is that the child enjoys the process and that they have opportunities to master new skills and express themselves freely. Keep your expectations realistic. Toddlers’ attention spans are short but that shouldn’t deter you from making art activities available to them from a young age. By age 4 my daughter is working on self-initiated complex art activities for prolonged periods of time. So be patient in these early years.

Art activities are not only super fun for toddlers and young children but they also offer a number of benefits in those early years. They help strengthen finger and hand muscles, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, fine motor skills, pencil grasp, foster creativity, self-confidence and so much more.

Here are some simple ideas for toddler art trays:

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

Scribbling with pencils

Offer just one or two pencils to start with. Chances are your toddler will spend less than a minute on this activity when they start. Keep offering. It will pay off in the long run.

Stickers

Stickers are such a fun activity for toddlers! For toddlers it is nearly impossible to get the stickers off the sheet so I would peel the stickers off beforehand and partially stick them on a small wooden tray so my daughter could easily take them off and stick them on the paper as you can see in the picture.

Hole Puncher

Hole punchers are super fun and really work on those finger muscles. Be sure you get one that is soft enough so your toddler can use (some can be hard for young toddlers and cause them to become easily frustrated).

Paint & Brushes

When first introducing paint to your toddler, start with just one color until the child is comfortable with the motions. Gradually introduce more colors as the child shows signs of readiness.

If you haven’t yet introduced paint to your toddler, try starting them with this mess-free painting idea.

Scissors & Paper Strips

If you have yet to introduce cutting to your toddler, start with playdough and plastic scissors so the child can get familiar with the motions. Once they have mastered that, you can slowly introduce blunt tip metal scissors. Be sure to supervise when you make scissors available to the child as long as you feel you need to

Crayons

Crayons are super fun for toddlers because the color is usually more vibrant than a coloring pencil. Choose a thicker crayon so it offers an easier grip for young toddlers and stick to just one or two crayons to start with. Gradually make more available to the child as they show signs of readiness.

Stamps

Stamping is another fun toddler activity that works on developing hand strength, eye-hand coordination, spatial awareness and the concept of cause and effect.

Playdough with Rolling Pin & Cutters

Manipulating playdough offers incredible benefits to the child. In addition to being a calming activity that meets sensory needs for many children, it also is great for strengthening finger and hand muscles in preparation for writing.

Glue & Geometric Paper Pieces

If your child is just learning how to use glue, I recommend offering a non-toxic glue in an open small container with a brush that can be used to spread the glue on the paper. 

There’s so much we can learn from children by observing their art process. You can notice which hand tends to be more dominant or how they choose to work with a specific material. For example, at around 18 months my daughter liked to draw lines with pencils whereas with crayons she would make dots on the page most of the time.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish their work. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/art-tray-ideas/feed/ 0 DIY Wrapping Paper https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/diy-wrapping-paper/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/diy-wrapping-paper/#respond Tue, 16 May 2023 17:27:41 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=2744

DIY Wrapping Paper

When A was 22 months old we made DIY wrapping paper for Christmas. This was the first Christmas where we got to involve A more meaningfully and I loved all the crafts and baking we did. I will cherish these moments forever and would love for her to look back on this time and remember it as fondly as I will.

To make the wrapping paper we used plain brown paper and three different patterns: a tree shape using a play dough cutter, a sponge brush to make small dots, and a paint splatter effect. 

We had lots of fun and I love seeing how proud A gets when she sees the final product of what we do.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/diy-wrapping-paper/feed/ 0 ”It Starts With a Seed”- Bookish Play https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/it-starts-with-a-seed-comeca-numa-semente-bookish-play/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/it-starts-with-a-seed-comeca-numa-semente-bookish-play/#respond Mon, 17 Apr 2023 07:59:17 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=1508

It Starts With a Seed – Bookish Play

A is in love with this book by Laura Knowles. 

Beautifully written, the book takes you through the life cycle of a tree (the sycamore tree), following its transformation from a seedling all the way to a mature tree. 

The poem uses rich language and is paired with gorgeous illustrations, both highlighting the essential role the tree plays for the web of life that depends on it – an array of woodland creatures. The book ends with a beautiful fold out page showing a mature tree shedding its seeds to continue the cycle of life. 

I can’t recommend it enough. It’s definitely one for all seasons. 

I paired it with a simple art activity using Q-tips and a printout of a tree (without leaves). A dabbed the Q-tips in the paint and then press them on the paper to “make” the missing leaves.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

Bringing play to life:

  • Have you intentionally observed trees with your little one(s)? You can try to spot their seeds and, why not, even plant a tree as a family!

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support. ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/it-starts-with-a-seed-comeca-numa-semente-bookish-play/feed/ 0 Salt Dough Ornaments https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/salt-dough-ornaments/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/salt-dough-ornaments/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:45:05 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=717

Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are not only fun to make with little ones, they also make a perfect holiday gift for grandparents, teachers and loved ones. It has become a Christmas tradition for us.

To make the dough you need only three ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 1/2 water 

Mix all the ingredients together. Then use cookie cutters or whichever shapes you have to achieve the desired shape.

Make sure to have one for your little one’s hand print. It’s a perfect grandparent gift, or a keepsake ornament to make for your tree.

Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (ornaments for 90 minutes to 2 hours; handprints for 2-3 hours approximately).

Once baked and cooled, you can decorate however you want. We kept ours simple by painting them white.

To better preserve your ornaments, you can coat with a layer or two of Mod Podge or spray with a sealer.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support. ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/salt-dough-ornaments/feed/ 0 Story Basket – Frida Khalo, Little People, Big Dreams https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/story-basket-frida-khalo-little-people-big-dreams/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/story-basket-frida-khalo-little-people-big-dreams/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:11:05 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=687

Story Basket – Frida Khalo, Little People, Big Dreams

I had so much fun putting this activity together. I had the chance to visit Mexican artist Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera’s house while in Mexico City a few years ago and I’ve adored her even more ever since. What a powerful female and iconic figure! 

I wanted to highlight Frida’s love of color and painting so I paired this book with two simple activities in this basket: water painting and a color matching DIY activity using pom poms and a color palette (with dot stickers).

For the water painting activity I drew feet on small stones as shown in the book and Frida’s portrait (as illustrated in the book) on a larger grey stone. 

My daughter had so much fun with this basket that she asked to play with it again a few times afterwards. Activities like this one are always very engaging for her. She went back and forth through the pages and the activities and kept exploring different aspects of it. It was so nice to watch.

Bookish play is such a lovely way to bring books to life for children and helps instill a love of reading and learning from a young age. 

Be sure to also check out the story basket we did for Amelia Earhart here.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support. ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/story-basket-frida-khalo-little-people-big-dreams/feed/ 0 Autumn Leaf Negative Space Painting https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/autumn-leaf-negative-space-painting/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/autumn-leaf-negative-space-painting/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2023 11:53:54 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?post_type=play_learn&p=672

Autumn Leaf Negative Space Painting

This activity is perfect to creatively use up the fall leaves you inevitably will collect while on a nature walk with your child.

To recreate this activity, you will need:
– a leaf (I recommend having a few spare ones in case it breaks)
– 1 or 2 paint brushes
– a small container with water
– a small cloth in case of spills
 
Invite your child to arrange the leaf (or leaves) however they want on the paper. Once you’ve decided on the layout, tape the back of the leaf/leaves to the paper so they don’t move while the child is working. Now invite the child to paint the negative space around the leaf.
 
You can adapt this activity to your little one’s skill level at the moment. For example, if they have never used watercolors before, be sure to provide a paint that doesn’t need to be mixed with water, so you eliminate that extra step. It’s better to introduce new skills in isolation.
 
At the time I presented this invitation to create to my daughter, she showed no interest in the paint brushes, so I gave her a small sponge brush. She still preferred using her fingers, but eventually gave the paint brush a try. Just observe your child and adapt the activity accordingly.
 

Making a mess and cleaning up are part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

*** This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support. ♡

]]> https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/autumn-leaf-negative-space-painting/feed/ 0 Rock Water Painting https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/rock-water-painting/ https://wonderhouseoflittles.com/play_learn/rock-water-painting/#respond Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:47:47 +0000 https://sara.ideatema.com/?p=348

Rock Water Painting

This easy, mess-free and taste-safe activity is perfect for young toddlers. They can paint, watch the stone dry off and then paint again.

It’s super simple and easy to set up.

You will need:

– a rock (preferably a larger one)

– a small container with water  (provide only as much as you are willing to clean up)

– a brush (we love the IKEA MALA brushes!)

– a small cloth for spills

Rock water painting is a great way to introduce a young toddler to the idea of painting – holding a paintbrush, dipping it in water and then making strokes on the stone.

It helps young toddlers refine motor skills, strengthen hand and finger muscles, practice the pincer grasp, and begin to learn a sequence – all foundational skills for writing and arts later on.

Be sure to include a small cloth to wipe any spills.

My daughter was 18 months at the time we first did this activity. She first examined the stone in detail and then became fascinated by the small splash the paint brush was making on the water for a little bit. Once she was done discovering that I reminded her she could start painting on the rock. It’s such a calming experience.

Be sure to keep your expectations low as at this age attention spans are especially short. The goal is to let the child explore new materials and become familiar with the process of painting, without a huge mess.

Cleaning up is part of the learning process, so make sure to encourage your child to tidy up after they finish playing. Model how to do it until your child feels confident enough to initiate the tidying up process independently.

Happy exploring!

***This post may contain affiliate links. That means we may make a small commission on items purchased through links in this post at no extra cost to you! Thank you for your continued support. ♡

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