Create shimmering, crystalline snowflakes using a cool science-meets-art technique. Kids will learn how salt absorbs liquid watercolor to create beautiful, textured patterns.

Tools

• paintbrushes
• pencil
• paper towels

Materials

• blue cardstock or heavy paper (8.5 x 11 inch, 2 sheets)
• table salt (1 cup)
• white school glue (4 oz bottle)
• liquid watercolors or food coloring mixed with water (3 colors: blue, purple, teal)
• glitter (1 tbsp, optional)

Safety

• Adult supervision recommended when using glue and paints to prevent messes.
• Ensure children do not ingest the salt or paint.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Use a pencil to lightly draw a snowflake shape or a star pattern in the center of the blue cardstock.
2. Squeeze the white school glue onto the paper, following the pencil lines of the snowflake. Make sure the glue lines are thick and continuous.
3. Pour a generous amount of table salt over the wet glue until the lines are completely covered. Shake off the excess salt onto a tray or piece of paper to be reused.
4. Gently tap the paper to remove any loose salt, leaving only the salt that has adhered to the glue.
5. Dip a paintbrush into the liquid watercolor or colored water. Gently touch the brush to the edge of the salt lines.
6. Watch as the color 'travels' and spreads along the salt lines through capillary action, filling in the snowflake.
7. Repeat with different colors to create a multi-colored, shimmering effect.
8. Allow the painting to dry completely (about 1 hour).
9. Optional: Sprinkle a small amount of glitter over the wet paint for extra sparkle before it dries.