Snowman Sponge Painting Art Project for Kids • Kids Activities Blog

School-aged kids will learn to paint using a household sponge in this fun project. Our basic techniques can easily be used at home or in the classroom.

Sponge Painting

Artists love to explore new ways to paint and create art. A common method of painting, without a paintbrush, is to use a sponge. Today, we will be using a basic household sponge, though there are many varieties available for cleaning and craft purposes. Kids will have the opportunity to experiment with ways to hold the sponge, apply the paint, and how to combine techniques to create a work of art.

Related: Use cotton swabs to paint snowmen in this project.

Supplies Needed to Make this snowman sponge painting Art Project

• Black Cardstock
• Sponge – cut into smaller squares for easy handling
• Paintbrushes – for adding details
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint Palette
• Water
• Paper Towels

Directions to Make a snowman sponge panting

Before beginning, you may need to dip the sponge in water to soften it. Squeeze out any excess water as we do not want an overly wet sponge for this painting. When changing paint colors, clean sponge in water, remembering to thoroughly squeeze out excess water.

Step 1

To begin painting the northern lights, dip only the edge of the sponge into paint and swipe it across cardstock in a curved line.

Step 2

Using the same edge of the sponge, spread paint in a flicking motion. Place sponge on the paint and move hand at the wrist either up or down. By only moving the wrist, the paint line should fade as sponge comes off the paper. Continue in this motion across both the top and bottom of the line to create the northern light effect.

Step 3

Repeat steps 1 and 2, using various colors, to complete sky scene.

Step 4

Dip edge of sponge into white paint and rub it along the bottom of the paper to create a snowy ground.

Step 5

Using the corner of the sponge, tap white paint in circular motions to create a snowman design. Kids can also use this same tapping motion to add texture to their snowy ground, if desired.

Step 6

Load green paint onto the edge of your sponge. Tap the sponge in horizontal lines to create tree shape.

Step 7

Next, apply a small amount of white paint onto the edge of the sponge. Lightly tap in the same horizontal pattern to add snow onto the tree branches.

Step 8

Add a small amount of water to the white acrylic paint before loading your paintbrush with paint. Use your fingers to flick the bristles of a brush to splatter paint creating stars and snow on your project.

Step 9

Add finishing touches. The end of the paintbrush can easily be used like a stamp to make small circles for details on the snowman and tree ornaments.

Finished snowman sponge painting Art Project

I love how our finished projects look! It’s fun to see everyone’s style reflected in their art. Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style with your seasonal decorations. 

Our Experience Making this snowman sponge painting Art Project

I have so much fun watching kids learn and explore new creative techniques. This project gives kids a chance to use an everyday household item to create art in a new way. It’s fun to see the different ways a sponge can be used to create various textures and results in an art. This project is a great opportunity to lead kids into exploring other tools for painting and new ways to use items they are already familiar with.

Snowman Sponge Painting Art Variations

• Complete painting on canvas or other surface.
• Adjust techniques to fit any season or holiday.
• Cut sponge into various shapes to see how that alters the paint application.
• Use a variety of sponge styles to see how they each create different textures.

Other Fun Snowman Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids enjoy painting this snowman? How did they feel about using a sponge as their tool to create art?