Here’s a rainbow art activity for kids inspired by the children’s story “My Color Is Rainbow.”
When author Agnes Hsu of Hello Wonderful offered me a free copy of her new book in exchange for a review, we jumped at the chance. We fell in love with the sweet story of Little White Arch and his journey to find his “color.”
After reading it, we created a rainbow yarn art activity to go with it. I hope you enjoy making rainbow yarn art as much as my daughter does! You might also enjoy this list of rainbow art projects for kids.
Related: Kids’ Books That Teach Important Life Lessons
How to Make Book-Inspired Rainbow Yarn Art
This rainbow yarn art activity for kids is fun to do after reading the children’s book “My Color Is Rainbow.”
My Color Is Rainbow shares a timely message of unity, kindness, and acceptance. We all share the same colors, but how we choose to express them makes us who we are. If your child is unfamiliar with this book, I have provided alternative directions below.
Related: Rainbow Rainy Day Art
Rainbow Yarn Art Supplies
- Cotton Yarn (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple)
- White Glue
- Water
- Small Bowl
- Black permanent marker (a regular black marker will run)
- Heavyweight watercolor paper or cardstock
- Wet Rag
Related: Kids Music That Won’t Drive You Nuts!
Rainbow Yarn Art Book Activity for Kids
Making rainbow yarn art is an excellent way for kids to develop the fine motor muscles of the hands. Fine motor activities strengthen the hand to help them learn to write; this easy activity will also help kids learn their colors. You might also enjoy Teaching Kids to Sew with Burlap and Yarn.
Set up Rainbow Yarn Art Project
Follow the simple step-by-step directions below to set up your yarn art project in a rainbow of colors, or any color you choose. Drawing the “Little Arch” outline is optional.
You may also enjoy Social-Emotional Development Games and Feelings Books for Kids.
Step 1 – Cut Sections of Yarn
- Cut several 10 to 16-inch strands of cotton yarn in a rainbow of colors.
- We used red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple because these were the colors listed and described in the book.
- First, I cut four strands of each color, which turned out to be just right.
- Feel free to make yarn art in any desired color combination and shape.
Step 2 – Draw “Little Arch” Outline Onto Cardstock or Leave Blank
- Use a black permanent marker to draw “Little Arch” onto heavyweight watercolor paper or cardstock, draw a rainbow outline without a face, or leave the page blank.
- A black permanent marker will ensure that the ink does not run over your project.
- Printer paper is not strong enough to handle the weight of this project.
- If your child is unfamiliar with this book, draw a simple outline of a rainbow or leave the page blank, and create yarn in any way you please.
Step 3 – Mix Water and Glue
- Mix white glue with an equal amount of water in a small bowl.
Invite Kids to Create Rainbow Yarn Art
Now that you have everything ready to go, it’s time to make yarn art!
Step 1 Demonstrate How to Make Yarn Art
- Show children how to soak a strand of yarn in the glue and water mixture and then place it onto Little White Arch.
Step 2 – Invite Kids to Create Rainbow Yarn Art
- Invite your child to create rainbow yarn art by dipping each strand of yarn in glue and placing it onto the paper.
- Allow kids to choose their colors. They may want to be a rainbow, like “Little White Arch”, or they may want to be all orange or blue. This project could also make a great art therapy tool for social workers and therapists.
- Use the wet rag to wipe up any glue drips before they dry.
Rainbow Yarn Art Book Activity for Kids
My daughter loved making rainbow yarn art as much as she enjoyed this book. She squealed with delight when she saw a little white arch drawn upon the paper.
First, I demonstrated how to dip a strand of yarn into the glue and water mixture and place it on the paper to make a rainbow. Then I invited her to try it, and she loved it!
Rainbow Yarn Art for Kids
This book-inspired rainbow yarn art project is a great art project (and fine motor activity) for preschool-age kids and up. A fun craft that can also help kids learn their colors and strengthen their hands in preparation for writing.
Invite the kids to try this easy book activity inspired by the children’s story “My Color Is Rainbow.” Another fun book-inspired rainbow activity that the kids love is making rainbow sprinkle star kindness cookies.
You may also like these DIY rainbow peg dolls, rainbow blocks, and rainbow wands you can make with the kids. For more fun art and craft ideas for kids, click HERE.
Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE!
Great job! My youngest daughter insisted on drawing the rainbow by herself. She put a big smile on the rainbow and the first strand of yarn was around that smile, making it even bigger! When she started adding more strands to rainbow arch, she was careful not to cover that first one and hide the smile. She had a great time and a lot of fun! Thank you for sharing this post Nell!
That’s awesome! I surprised my daughter with this project so I had already drawn Little White Arch. So glad you enjoyed the activity. 🙂