Have you ever painted with a rolling pin?
I’m not an artistic type so painting with something other than a paintbrush is pretty mind-blowing to me.
Once we tried it though, we had a blast, and even came up with two different ways to paint with a rolling pin.
How’s that for creativity?
How to Set Up a Rolling Pin Painting Station
First off, I could not have done this activity without my giant, commercial-size baking sheet. It’s so perfect for all our art and science activities where things get all drippy and Mommy gets a little nervous about her clean table and floors getting all goopy.
Anytime I mention “baking sheet” on this site, know that I’m referring to this gem.
OK, enough tool time talk. Here’s the list of supplies for our rolling pin painting two different ways:
- rolling pin (we used a toddler-sized one),
- large baking sheet,
- washable paint,
- art paper (I like heavy-weight watercolor paper or cardstock),
- rubber bands,
- foam stickers,
- tape
Tape a sheet of art paper on the baking sheet. Add a dollop of paint in whatever colors you want to use somewhere off to the side of the paper.
If you don’t have a giant baking sheet, you can use a smaller one for the paint and a second one to hold the paper.
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Two Ways to Paint with a Rolling Pin
I’m going to state the obvious and say, a rolling pin with handles is definitely preferred for this activity.
Use Rubber Bands to Paint with a Rolling Pin
For the first way to paint, wrap rubber bands around the rolling pin. This is a good pre-painting activity for the kids to do while you set up the paint and paper.
Roll the rubber-band-covered rolling pin around in paint and then roll it on the paper and see what designs it makes!
Use Foam Stickers to Paint With a Rolling Pin
For the second way to paint with a rolling pin, stick foam stickers all over the rolling pin.
It helps to stick the foam stickers on opposite sides of the rolling pin. Try to cover as much area as you can so there are no “blank” spots where the paint will end up covering the paper like a paint roller.
What We’re Learning
This is a process art activity. Don’t worry about making this art *look* like anything. Just encourage your toddler to roll to her heart’s content and enjoy the process.
Wrapping rubber bands and peeling the backs of off foam stickers are all great for strengthening fine motor muscles. If your child is able to do this himself, give him time to do so!
Your Turn to Paint with a Rolling Pin
For me, it was so freeing to see toddler art as process-focused and not outcome-focused. It helps me to give my daughter the freedom to create and explore in her own way.
When she gets really into it, I can step aside for a moment and give her space to create.
And that’s when I get to enjoy my coffee while it’s hot.
Just kidding. It’s already cold. Why do I even bother?
Looking for an organized guide of fun, easy activities to do with your toddler that also encourages their growth and development?
I’ve created a 3-month activity planner just for busy parents like you! The plan includes 65 detailed, simple, and stress-free activities including: arts and crafts, sensory play, motor skills, and STEM–all using easy-to-find supplies.
Let me help make planning activities for your toddler easy, so you can skip the stress and get straight to the fun!