It’s been freezing cold this week and we haven’t been outside much. My daughter’s been begging me to play outside, so, even though I really didn’t want to, I bundled the girls up for a walk this afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, but once we got out, I realized it was still extremely cold—0°! After being outside for ten minutes too long, we came inside and worked on washi tape paintings.

My sister-in-law had asked for suggestions for Christmas presents for the girls and this set of mt washi tape was one of the things on the list. Happily, she got it for us! While there are hundreds of pretty decorative washi tapes available, I really like this plain, solid-colored set, which leaves plenty of room for imaginative creation. It’s the perfect addition to my four-year-old’s art supplies. We both love it.

Washi tape is one of those wondrous inventions that provides novelty without taking up too much space or making much mess. I’m always thinking about the fact that little sister is going to be getting into whatever art projects I provide for her older sister and washi tape paintings pass the Little-Sister-Friendly test. The washi tape doesn’t leave residue on anything and the pieces can be easily pulled off of the page and moved around. It’s also a fun, safe way to decorate the wall, if you are so inclined to suggest that option.

Really, I wasn’t sure if my four-year-old would be able to handle the tape on her own without twisting it around itself, but she did great! I made a couple of examples for her and she was eager to try herself. With kid scissors in hand, she took to the medium easily and focused intently as she created flowers entirely on her own. As her mama, I was impressed. Baby added the scribbles, giving the pictures an added dimension. Thankfully, the girls mostly cooperated during their collaboration.

I think it’s so interesting to see the results of giving children a new medium to create with.  I love how utilizing the straight edges of the tape results in pictures that are reminiscent of cubism and abstract expressionism and even art nouveau! The pink flower below reminded me of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s stained glass flowers, in its angularity. When my daughter added the bright green strip to the left in this picture, she said, “Now it’s perfect!” I agree. Of course, the blue and yellow represent the sky and sun. 

I also love this little composition! My daughter was proud to show me the decorative pencil marks she added on the sides of the flowers.

I’m looking forward to many more washi tape paintings this winter and hope to experiment with the medium more myself!

What about you? Are there any new-to-you art supplies that you and your little ones have been having fun with lately? I would love to hear in the comments below! 

P. S. In case you missed them, two more easy, low-mess crafts for preschoolers: How to Make Star Crayons and Decorating Pint Baskets with Ribbon.