This week we’ve been reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, a story about a young girl called Vashti who is given the confidence to explore her creativity after drawing a single dot. Once Vashti becomes inspired she paints lots and lots of dots and even makes “a dot by not painting a dot” using negative space. We decided to have a go at recreating this dot painting.
For this Preschool Dot Art Activity you will need:
- white paper to paint on
- white paper for cutting out a circle
- bowl or mug to draw a circle
- dot markers
- pencil
- scissors
- sticky tape
Dot marker painting is a really fantastic preschool activity that allows children to explore their creativity with limited set-up and less mess than getting out paint pots and brushes. For this activity we used *Do-a-Dot Art Rainbow Markers
or you could also use *Scola Chubbi Paint Markers
. The markers have a sponge top and make printing quick, easy and fun to do. If you don’t have any dot markers then you can simply use paint and a circular sponge, a cork, a jam jar or a bottle top for printing.
I took a piece of paper and drew around a bowl with a pencil. At first we used a normal piece of printing paper but paint leaked through when Burt was printing, so if you have some thicker watercolour paper or cartridge paper use that instead.
Then, I took some tape and put it on the back of my hand to remove some of the stickiness. I used the tape to secure the circle in the centre of the page Burt was going to paint on.
Our dot markers have the colours written bold and bright across the side of each marker, so we went through all the colours as we set them out. Then Burt was free to choose where to put his dots and which colours he wanted to use.
The dot markers are very easy to use, you simply turn them upside down and press them onto the paper. They are perfect for young children.
As it was easy to print dots with the dot markers Burt was happy to build up layers and layers of colour.
The paint dried really quickly and then I carefully peeled away the centre circle to reveal the central “dot by not painting a dot”.
It was such an enjoyable project for Burt and the finished result is very beautiful. The dot painting will definitely go up on the wall in a frame.
You can read more about the story that inspired us The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds or discover some more crafts and activities linked to the book.
Have you been inspired by a book to craft, go on an outing or do an activity this week?
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.
Gorgeous - I would be so happy to frame that dot picture and put it on my wall! Good luck in the BiBS lovely xx
Very Damian Hurst!! Keep those, they could be worth millions in the future
That is beautiful! There is something about colourful dots isn’t there. I am still really drawn to the inside cover of The Hungry Caterpillar. Those markers look great, I may have to invest in some.
Ooh I want to get Syd some of those dot markers, they look fab and not too messy for days when you can’t be bothered to cover the whole house with newspaper before getting paint out!
Sonya Cisco recently posted…The Long Kiss Goodnight
Those dot markers look fab, love the non messiness aspect of them, and the size of them - the perfect grab size. And I love the end result - a very colourful picture, looks lovely! :o)
older mum in a muddle recently posted…#Once upon a time - The Deep End
What a wonderful project.Looks like fun.
Nayna Kanabar ( recently posted…Vanilla Cupcakes and a birthday celebration.
I have been meaning to get some of these as we have always had great fun with them at toddler group. These ones look great and I love the drawing, it looks fab!
Mummy of Two recently posted…What to do at Butlins, Bognor Regis
What a great painting - I’d put a favourite photo in the middle and give it as a gift to the grandparents x x
Cass recently posted…Thrifty Thursday - Last minute meals….
This is beautiful and such a simple idea, I love it! I’m going to have to try it with my little man!
Amanda recently posted…International Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day 2014 - What It Means To Me
i love this, beautiful idea x
Polly recently posted…Eleven!!
I really love this, what a great idea. So simple but it looks so beautiful x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…15 Homemade Father’s Day Gifts
I am loving this dot idea. We don’t have any dabbers and I am wondering if we could get the same effect from cotton bud tips dipped in paint.
PinkOddy recently posted…Teacher Gifts and Special Educational Needs - KidsCo-op
What a pretty picture. I hadn’t thought of doing dot art before, but it looks fun. It will look great on your wall.
How on earth have I not heard of dot markers as a kids craft thing before. As a northerner they’re bingo markers to me !
Def going to give this ago looks amazing
Becky recently posted…The Fabulous Scottish Book Trust
This is a really nice activity to do with a little one. Thank you for sharing.
Helen Dickinson recently posted…A Week Of Learning And New Experiences
This is really so pretty and effective. Looks very satisfying to create. Well done to Bert!
suzanne3childrenandit recently posted…Never Doubt the Underdog!
Love this idea Kirsty, it looks fab 😀 have pinned and stumbled it x
Kate Williams recently posted…11 Ways To Paint Without A Paintbrush
final painting looks lovely.
Great job!
The effect is lovely, I might try it with my 2 year old and see how she gets on.
Jenny recently posted…How to make homemade ravioli without a pasta maker
I used to love making dot pictures when I was little. I’ve not done it with my girls so we’ll have to change that soon!
Shell Louise recently posted…Tongue tattoos
I love the dabber paints - they are really effective!
Kara recently posted…Saturday is Caption Day - 17th May 2014
Those pens look like so much fun
Angela Spicer recently posted…Project 365 11th - 17th May
I really like this idea. It looks so pretty too! Am pinning it x
VaiChin recently posted…Sunday 18 May 2014
My reception class would love this
ninjacat recently posted…Silent Sunday Contemplation
This is a lovely idea. I would really like to try this with my daughter, it looks so colourful and pretty!