Art is a creative way for children to explore different materials, self-expression. This abstract arts and crafts activity is perfect for promoting creativity, hand eye coordination, and color recognition. Using ping-pong balls and a hair dryer in place of traditional art supplies, children can create a colorful, unique masterpiece.
This activity is also a great opportunity to help children become familiar with colors and color mixing. Try asking them what colors make green and have them complete the activity to see if they're right. Give young children the opportunity to go beyond the ordinary and into the amazing world of art with this awesome painting experience from MaryAnn Kohl, author of The Big Messy Art Book.
Download our FREE printable below!
Required Materials
- Butcher Paper
- Poster board
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Thin tempera or watercolor paint
- Smalls cups or bowls
- Spoons
- Ping–Pong balls or other lightweight balls
1Cover the table.
Cover the table with butcher paper.
2Cut board into strips.
Cut tag board or poster board into strips 4" (10 cm) wide.
3Tape the strips onto board.
Tape the 4" (10 cm) poster board strips around the edge of the table, making a continuous border that will keep the balls from rolling off the table.
4Put paint in each cup or bowl.
Put about 1 1/2" (4 cm) of paint in each cup or bowl. Place one spoon in each color.
5Place Ping–Pong ball in each cup.
Plop a Ping–Pong ball in each cup. Roll it over in the paint in the cup to coat
6Drop ball on paper.
Use a spoon to pick up a ball and drop it on the paper. Use one color and a ball, or add several colors and balls.
7Blow the painted balls with hair dryer.
Blow the painted balls around the table with the hair dryer. Hint: As always, use CAUTION with electrical cords and electricity. Adult supervision required. Keep water away from the hair dryer.
8Rinse Ping–Pong balls.
Rinse Ping–Pong balls in a big bowl of clear water, and dry with an old towel before reusing.
Expand This Activity!
- Make small puddles of thin paint on the paper; blow the Ping-Pong balls through the puddles creating lines of design.
- Use your own blow power (pucker and blow) to roll the balls about.
