Flower Paints

Sensory Recipes with Buddy

A soft watercolor paint made from real petals, one color per cup.

This sensory experience helps children learn…

First, next, last

Petals, then water, then stir, then paint.

Cause and effect

Pressing the petals turns the water pink.

Small hand muscles

Pressing with a spoon, stirring, and painting.

Words for what they notice

Soft, wet, warm, and the color names.

Let’s Make It

First, add the petals

Place a handful of flower petals into a cup.

Next, pour the water

Add ¼ cup of warm water.

Press and stir

Use the back of a spoon to gently press and stir the petals for a minute or two. Talk about what is happening to the water.

Add the glue

Stir in 1 tablespoon of non toxic glue. Add 1 or 2 drops of food coloring if you want it brighter.

Last, paint

Use paintbrushes to make flower paintings.

Talk about it while you mix

What comes first? What should we do next? What happened when we added the water? How did the petals change? What color do you see?

1 handful fresh petals roses, pansies, marigolds

¼ cup warm water

1 Tbsp white school glue

Food coloring optional, 1–2 drops

Small cups Spoons Measuring cup Paintbrushes Thick paper

Get Them Involved

Let toddlers drop in the petals and take turns pressing with the spoon.

Safety

Non toxic flowers only and stay close. Say it often: paint for creating, not for eating.

Makes one color · 10 minutes to mix · Small batches, use the same day

The Nest Schools