Everyone knows that baby art is the. best. thing. ever. School is officially out and Father's day is coming up, so I wanted to share this affordable, easy DIY activity that I did with Em the other afternoon! I decided that we should make something fun for her preschool teachers, but I wanted it to be something that she could also be involved in. She loves to do any sort of art, so I thought of her love of painting... and just ran with it. 

If you know me, then you know I love all things color. Believe it or not, I found these VIBRANT, beautiful succulents and cacti at Home Depot for just under $4 each. The sticker on the side was easily removable and left no residue --- a major factor for the OCD visual perfectionist. We used these Crayola washable non-toxic (and fast drying!) paints and they worked perfectly. Em is miss independent these days, so all I was "allowed" to do was hold each plant while she gently painted the pot. (Yes, I said gently. She is so detail oriented! Love watching her do art!)

They turned out so adorable, if I do say so myself. Ha! And, her teachers loved them.  

Surprisingly enough, I only had 2 mom-fails during this activity:

1. I purchased the TOOTHPICK cactus because it looked cool... until OUCH - seriously the sharpest thing ever! Actually just got a splinter out of my finger today. 

2. I have yet to get the washable paint off of the concrete sidewalk... whoops. 

By the end of it, yes... she was covered in paint. But that just meant that we had to go play in the water hose! Best. Day. Ever.

WHAT YOU NEED:

1. Washable, non-toxic kid paint (you can find it in the kids section at Michael's or order them here)

2. Kids paintbrushes (found right next to the paint)

2. Any pretty potted plant, flower, cactus or succulent

4. Paper. The actual painting of the pots doesn't take long... don't be like me and not be prepared with a temperamental toddler who is covered in paint. Have the paper ready!

4. Wipes. Lots of wipes. My favorite that we use all around the house for everything are here.

5. Patience. Your kid will be covered in paint. It's okay, take a deep breath and just enjoy it...  because I promise you they're having the time of their life. 

Like I said, something like this would make a great gift for grandparents, birthdays, or Father's day. Also, let's be honest... it's just really super cute watching your kid paint themselves. 

Enjoy!

XX,

AD