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Marvelous Marble Painting

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This Marble Painting activity is one that I used back in my teaching days. I have never done it with three year olds but decided my kids might find this art project fun. Would you believe I had the hardest time finding the marbles?  I thought for sure the dollar store would have them, but they did not. So if you already have marbles at home, you are ahead of the game! Also check out our Painting with Feathers activity.

Marble Painting - fun art activity for preschoolers. My kids loved doing this fun kids craft.


 

Marble Painting

You will need:

 

You will want to tape your paper to the bottom of the pan.  I am sure there are many different ways to paint with the marbles, but here is what I did.  I squirted different colors of paint onto the paper and dropped in some marbles (I believe I used 4 in each tray).  It would be fun at another point to experiment with the number of marbles in a tray and see how it changes the results of the marble painting.

“A” wanted yellow and blue paint on  her tray.

Marble Painting
Once your marbles are dropped in, have your child rock the tray back and forth to get the marbles to move and paint the paper.
Marble Painting
Later, A discovered that she could tilt the tray up and down to get lines going in different directions on her paper.
Marble Painting
I love this action shot of B.  Who knew this marble painting activity provided such a workout?
child marble painting
A really wanted to work with green paint.  I did not have any out, but explained that we could make green by mixing yellow and blue.  And just like that we are learning about color mixing.  Thanks for the great idea A!  I dropped some yellow and blue paint on her paper and gave her some marbles.
Marble Painting
She was quite proud of the resulting green!
Marble Painting
Our finished marble painting:
Marble Painting
My final verdict is that this marble painting was just perfect for three year olds and might even work with two year olds.  But you know your child best. I did not have C participate, because at 20 months, she still puts everything in her mouth and I was concerned that the marbles would be a choking hazard.  Please use caution when doing this art activity with a child.
The girls loved discovering a new way to paint and I’m just thankful that I didn’t lose my marbles.

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Vicky

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Comments

  5. Poppy says

    Hi Vicky, I remember doing marble painting as a kid… we used to dip plain white T-shirts to get the marble effect on it… used to be a lot of fun… first step in creativity… lol!I bet your three old had oodles of fun with it…what an excellent idea to share with kids as well as inspire them to explore their creative side! I feel so flattered by your endearing comment on my Fall Luminaries. Really enjoyed and appreciated you stopping by.Thank you so much for following me. Will love to have you over anytime. Have a wonderful weekend with your family!Happily following you back~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  6. Joyce says

    It looks like they had a blast! I love that action shot too. I hear other bloggers complaining about a shortage of marbles as well. I think they are only trully abundant around Christmas, I guess for stocking stuffer usage. Videogames killed the marble star. Or something.

    Reply

  12. Daneilia @ Anchors Away says

    Oh how I remember these days lol. Gosh that just makes me sound old. But this was one of my fave projects when I was young. I may attempt to try this with my 2year old…I think she is capable of having fun w/out eating paint or messing with the marbles lol ("I think", its not a guarantee haha). Love this.

    Reply

  22. mmbear says

    Now that is what I call original! Hi! I am from the blog hop and now a new follower thru GFC, Facebook and RSS Reader. I would love a follow back on all three when you get a free moment. Thanks so much for your help and have a blessed week!

    [email protected]://www.mmbearcupoftea.com

    Reply

  25. Kierna C says

    Hey Vicky, this is one of my favourite art activities – but I love the idea of the foil tray, as we use a plastic tray & then have to wash it out – thanks for saving me some time!

    Reply

  26. Vicky says

    @ Poppy, thanks for the thoughtful comment. Hope you are having a joy filled Thursday!
    @ Joyce, who knew about the marble shortage?
    @ Heidi, it will happen before you know it.
    @ Jessica, I think the 3 year old will love it.
    @ Shoregirl, thanks so much!
    @ Cricket, hope you guys have fun with it.
    @ Sandra, thank you for stopping in.
    @ Jeanette, so happy to have you following
    @ TJ, this is great for when he gets older.
    @
    @ Daneilia, brings back memories huh? I feel old too. 🙂
    @ Tiffany, hope your kiddies love it.
    @ Learning table, thanks for following back
    @ Lori, you must try it! Super fun.
    @ Theophanie, I love your 2 year old! 🙂
    @ Monica, they are so fun aren't they?
    @ Jamie, thanks so much for the kind words.
    @ mmbear, will do!
    @ Niko, thanks so much!
    @ Cupcakes, I have a dad like that too! 🙂
    @ Kierna, thanks for the comment.

    Reply

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