Super Messy Art

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Recently, a teacher friend suggested I try shaving cream and food coloring as an art activity with my rascals. That sounded easy, so I gave it a go without much preparation or thought.

I had no idea what I was getting into. The mess. The stained hands. The squeals of laughter. The beautiful finished products hanging on the wall.

Yes, in hindsight, I won’t do this art activity again without more preparation, but also, YES, we will be doing it again! My rascals loved every moment of this activity - touching the shaving cream, choosing their food coloring, and mixing the food coloring to create new colors, tints, and shades. This activity is fun and educational, a double win in my book.

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The basic supplies needed are:

  • White shaving cream (not gel)

  • Food coloring

  • Canvas, cardstock, or something equally sturdy

  • Mixing tools (straws, cotton swabs, cotton balls, paintbrushes)

The process is easy. Dispense the shaving cream. Add food coloring. Mix.

Despite my best efforts to get my rascals to use the straws, they could not resist the feel of the shaving cream between their fingers. So, I gave up on that battle and I enjoyed their excitement with this sensory activity.

Next time, though, I will do things a bit differently. Here are some tips if you are interested in experimenting with this activity:

  • Keep a bucket of water nearby instead of risking little fingers touching furniture and walls on the way to the bathroom

  • Put the shaving cream into a bowl and provide paintbrushes so it is more like “painting” rather than “fingerpainting”

  • Cover the table with newspaper or a drop cloth

  • Take their clothes off or have them wear smocks/old t-shirts!!!

And a word to the wise: it is advisable to wipe down the finished product with a paper towel because the globs of shaving cream don’t really ever solidify.

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Happy messy art activity!

Written by: Brandi Stanton, mama of two rascals ages 2 and 4.