Magic Water Painting

This is a simple, mess free mark making art activity that is so easy to do at home with toddlers, babies and older children. It has got to be my favourite toddler and child art resource discovery. I am not quite sure exactly how it works. But this Chinese magic cloth calligraphy paper is wonderful. When water is painted on it, it creates a beautiful inky effect, which does not transfer onto skin, walls or anything else. It dries quickly to return to its initial form; a blank canvas ready for more art.

Set Up

All you need for this easy, toddler, mess free, mark making activity is the Reusable Chinese Calligraphy paper, a small amount of water, clean paintbrushes or other implements to mark make, and some willing artists! The first time I used this I put it on the floor which would work with babies who are not standing yet. Since then I have taped it to the wall, using masking tape, which the girls seem to prefer. Being able to cross the midline (essentially limbs crossing over the imaginary centre line of your body) is an important skill, which children need in their development. This helps with coordination and also the development of the fine motor skills required for tasks such as writing.

The first time we tried this the girls were slightly perplexed when I presented them with what looked like a big sheet of plain paper, paint brushes and a very small amount of water. M thought mummy had forgotten the paint. I started to use the water to make marks and then they started to join in. O wanted to use some inkless stamps which worked too once dipped in water. One thing to note is that ideally paint brushes or whatever tools you give to your little one should be clean. Paint and ink residues do seem to leave a faint mark on the paper.

We have done this simple mess free mark making art activity over and over again. My toddler is always so keen to do it and it is often quite calming when tensions are fraught. Now as soon as they see it hung up on the wall, they do not need an invitation to start. They get started straight away, creating their masterpieces. My 2 year old has also discovered she can dip her hand in the water and then create hand prints. I find it strangely very soothing to sit and watch them paint. This is a very easy, mess free mark making activity that we will be doing at home again and again.