A Recipe For Magical Water Paint Paper?

Magic water painting papers are a fun and sensory activity for toddlers that can be done with no mess. To make these papers, submerge paper circles in water, drop ink onto the circle, and let the colors swirl in a marbled way. Lay a piece of paper on top of the water to pick up a print of the marbling. The paper/cloth is treated with a chemical that reacts with the water, changing color but not leaving it permanent.

To make magic drawing paper, use reusable Chinese calligraphy paper, a small amount of water, clean paintbrushes, and some ink. The “Magic” pen is used to color in the picture with just plain water, revealing vibrant colors, details, and patterns. The paper is then dried and becomes evaporative painting paper.

To make watercolor sheets, make small dabs of paint in a blank area of the coloring sheet and flatten it out. Hotfix the colored cardstock to white cardstock, then tissue to color and back the paper. Brush ink onto the paper and let it dry.

These DIY magic watercolor painting sheets for kids are a great quiet-time activity, mess-free art project, and fun art lesson.