Paint Without a Paintbrush

Back

Paint Without a Paintbrush

March 18, 2025

Share This
Share This

Grab supplies from around the house for your next painting project.

Put a twist on your next at home art day with this fun, hands-on activity perfect for your toddler or any budding artist. No paintbrushes allowed!

Why use a boring old paintbrush when you can turn everyday items into artistic tools? Transform your painting experience with just a few things from around the house.

Bottle lids, string, and plastic dinosaur feet can stamp, swirl, and splatter your masterpiece to life —encouraging sensory play and fine motor skill development along the way!

Ready to dive into the world of unconventional painting? Let’s set up your artistic playground! 

Plastic animals, cotton balls, lids, and other non paintbrush materials

Gather Your Supplies:

  • Paint (the more colors, the merrier!) 
  • Paper (big sheets for big ideas!) 
  • Tray & apron (because we embrace the mess here 😉) 
  • Fun and funky painting tools: 
    • Bottle lids (stamp away!) 
    • String (for swooshing and swirling) 
    • Cotton balls (dab, dab, dab!) 
    • Pipe cleaners (bend them into wild shapes!) 
    • Popsicle sticks (scrape and spread that color!) 
    • Washable plastic toys (give that T-Rex a paint job!) 
    • Literally anything but a paintbrush! 

 

Let’s Get Painting!

It’s easy! Lay out all the supplies on your art table and get ready for some fun. The beauty of painting without a brush is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Dive in and see what happens! 

Watch and learn!
Get inspired with this simple set up!
Get inspired with this simple set up!

Grown-ups, Play Along!

Kids aren’t the only ones who should get in on this! Painting together can spark new ideas, create memories, and—let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the feeling of paint on their hands? Watch as your toddler experiments and try these ways to engage with your little artist: 

  • Ask them why they picked a certain item to paint with—what effect does it create? 
  • Mix colors together and see what new shades appear! 
  • Uplift their bold and wacky ideas—there’s no such thing as too wild in art. 
  • Leave things open-ended and give them space to focus, then ask them to describe what they’re making—kids are natural storytellers! 
  • Better yet, grab your own non-brush tool and create side by side! Inspiration is contagious, and you might just discover your inner Picasso. 

 

Show Us Your Masterpiece!

Show off your one-of-a-kind, no-brush-needed artwork. Snap a pic and use #playalongsd to tag us on Facebook or Instagram. We can’t wait to be inspired by you! 

 

Want to save the mess for another day?

No worries! Our Art Studio at the Museum is always stocked, prepped, and ready for young imaginations to run wild (without you having to clean up after)! 

Make a mess with us!

plan your visit today!