Looking for an easy paint recipe and art activity for kids at home or in the classroom? Want to explore the sense of smell? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen making our own paint. Try sensory painting with this easy natural-scented paint.
Scented Paint Recipe
The sense of smell is a unique way to explore art, and this non-toxic paint recipe is a perfect way to get started. Open the spice drawer, and let’s get started!
💡Look through more fantastic Art Projects for Kids [here].
SUPPLIES:
- Printable leaf template (below)
- Olive oil
- Spices (Options include cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, paprika, allspice)
- Brushes
HOW TO PAINT WITH SPICES
STEP 1. Print out the leaf template.
STEP 2. Mix a small amount of oil and a colored spice together. Repeat with other spices.
TIP: If possible avoid using “hot” spices which could cause irritation if rubbed onto skin & eyes.
STEP 3. Let the mixtures sit for 10 minutes to allow the spices to color the oil.
STEP 4. Time to get spice painting! Paint your leaves with the spice paint!
History of Natural Pigments
A natural pigment is one found in nature and ground, sifted, washed, and, in rarer cases, heated to create a desired hue. Natural pigments have served many artistic purposes for ancient cultures around the world. Early paintings from prehistoric times were cave paintings applied by brushing, smearing, dabbing, and even spraying natural pigments.
Civilizations worldwide have utilized organic material from plants, animals, and minerals to create colors they could apply to surfaces. Even today, many artists use natural materials because they are environmentally friendly and, surprisingly, easy to manipulate.
Create your own natural pigments with some colored spices and oil from your kitchen cupboards. Download our free leaf template worksheet to use your scented paint on!
Click here to grab this Scented Spice Paint Art Project today!
More Fun Paint Recipes to Try!
💡You can find all our homemade paint recipes here!
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources that will help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Free Color Mixing Mini Pack
- Getting Started with Process Art
- Preschool Art Projects
- How to Make Paint
- Easy Painting Ideas For Kids
- Fun Pop Art Ideas
- Outdoor Art Projects
- Free Art Challenges
- What Are The 7 Elements Of Art?
- STEAM Activities (Science + Art)
- Make an art cart!
- Famous Artist Birthdays
Printable Famous Artist Bundle
You’ll find each of our famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇 including tons of fantastic resources!
This bundle includes a variety of art packs to cover different areas of the art experience! Perfect for ages 5-12, with various activities to suit all age levels. Easy to use in the home or classroom.
PACKS INCLUDE:
- Famous Artists Project Pack with 25+ artists to explore past and present, including women, people of color, and indigenous peoples.
- Artists Challenge Pack: Various extra art projects, including a museum scavenger hunt and extras.
- 7 Elements of Art Pack: Learn about and explore the 7 elements of art with handy information, tips, and fun projects to try.
- Art and Playdough Pack: Make homemade playdough and use these art mats with kids of all ages featuring famous artists with simple information.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. Complete with information, tips, and activities to try!
