How to Create Marshmallow Painted Winter Trees

Have you ever tried painting with marshmallows? By simply exchanging a brush for a marshmallow and toothpick it can spark new painting ideas for your young artist.

Preschoolers should be introduced to many types of art from scribbling to painting to building and much more such as process art experiences.

Process art focuses on the making of art rather than what the end product looks like. It is about the experience of making or creating the artwork. There is no wrong way to create process art.

This freedom of expression and opportunity to make their own choices helps develop your child’s creative and critical thinking skills.

Making marks and creating is part of a preschooler’s development and is the first stage of drawing that leads to writing. While we do give the suggestion of creating winter trees let your child lead the project and if they want  want to paint something else…go with it! Read our full tutorial below.

 

Materials

Construction Paper

Oil Pastels (crayons or markers will work too)

White Washable Paint and Palette

Marshmallows

Toothpicks

Tutorial

Step 1: Adults may prep the materials by inserting a toothpick into a marshmallow and pour paint on to a paint palette. We like to use a paper plate as our palette.

Step 2: Discuss winter trees with your artist. What do trees look like in winter? How do they look different than in summer, spring or fall?  What type of lines would you use to draw a tree?  Once your child is ready encourage them to draw their own winter tree.

Step 3: Dip the marshmallow in the paint and stamp on the paper to add snow.  Your artist may experiment with stamping the marshmallow or using it like a paint brush. Let them have fun and explore making marks in a new way.

And no matter how many marshmallows you put out why do both kids want the same marshmallow?

I found it interesting that my three year old painted over her tree and when I asked her about it she replied her tree was “covered in snow”. So of course it makes sense it would be covered in paint! Be sure to ask open ended questions to help promote creative thinking and you may be surprised about what you learn.

Step 4: Let dry and display.

Remember, it is the process not the end product.

Interested in learning more about how to create art with preschoolers? Be sure to sign up and not miss out on our upcoming preschool art series.

 

For more fun winter preschool activities check out our Creative Preschool friends!

Penguin Snowglobe Sensory Craft| Artsy Momma

Snowflake Alphabet Match| I Heart Crafty Things

Snow Globe Shadow Box | Pink Stripey Socks

Paint a Winter Scene  + Snow Paint | A Little Pinch of Perfect