Kraft paper sensory process art is a fun way for kids to practice using art materials while developing their sensory systems.

Crafts are fun for fine motor practice and gifts, but kids need to be given the opportunity to create their own art. Kraft paper process art provides the opportunity to do just that.

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Kraft Paper Sensory Process Art

In this open-ended sensory art activity, children will use packing or kraft paper to create art. There is no right or wrong way to do this.

Allow your child to choose how to use the materials placed in front of them, and what they will create. This will give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity, practice using art materials, and develop their tactile sensory system.

Kraft Paper Sensory Process Art: Supplies

• Kraft or Packing Paper (we re-used some packing paper from package that we received)
• Finger paints
• Art smock

Kraft Paper Sensory Process Art: Preparation

Roll out a large piece of packing paper or kraft paper and place it on a work surface. This is a great activity to do after you receive a package containing a large amount of packing paper. If you are working with a class you will more than likely need a roll of kraft paper.

Make sure you are working on a surface that you don’t mind getting messy.  Re-used packing paper sometimes has perforations in it. The finger paints are washable, but I doubt you want them smeared all over the dining room table.

We used our DIY Outdoor Art Table & Mud Kitchen pictured below. I folded a towel to put in the sink to create a level surface for my daughter to paint on.

Allow your children to select their own colors. Choosing colors is a big part of the process in process art. Sometimes I limit my daughter to a certain number of colors, and sometimes I allow her to use as many as she likes. This helps her appreciate and have more respect for our art supplies.

For this activity, I asked my daughter to choose 3 colors. She choose blue, yellow, and red. I was excited to see that we were in for some color mixing fun!

Part of the fun of this process art activity is allowing your kids to squeeze out the paint however they want to. It is another aspect of the process that they get to experience. Did I mention that things might get messy?

Kraft Paper Process Art: Directions

Place an art smock or painting apron on your child and allow them to have fun creating kraft paper sensory process art. Again, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Simply present the materials and have your child play and create whatever they want.

You can also use tempura paints and paint brushes instead of finger paints for this process art activity, but you would loose the sensory element.

When commenting on your children’s work focus on their effort and describing what you see as opposed to the artist. Use phrases such as, “Wow, you really worked hard to make this,” or “I love all the red and blue.” You can also ask them to tell you about their art by saying something like, “Tell me about what you’ve made.”

Kraft paper sensory process art is a fun project for kids to practice using art materials while developing their sensory systems. Children can experiment with their own creativity as they create art. You can use new or re-used recycled kraft or packing paper for this DIY art activity idea!

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• Rainbow Rainy Day Art: STEAM Activity
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• Painting with Foam Blocks
• Single Color Wet-on-Wet Watercolor 
• YUM! Deliciously Healthy Recipes for Kids
• Green Crafty and Creative

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Nell Regan M.A.

Nell has over 20 years of experience working with children and is the founder of Rhythms of Play. She believes in the wonder of childhood, the power of the imagination, learning through play, and getting outside in all seasons! Learn more…