It's no secret that kids love to paint! When toddlers paint, their brains are stimulated as they create texture, discover the cause and effect of color mixing, and learn their colors. The mess, however, is an entirely different story! Paint on tiny hands equals paint on clothes, furniture, walls, and even the family dog. Here's an easy and affordable idea for a no-mess painting method that lets your budding Rembrandts be as creative as they want... and let's you give your mop and cleaning cloth a break!

Shop at Dollar Tree – Here's What You'll Need:

• Clear Gallon-Sized Zip-Seal Bags
• Paint
• Painter's Tape or Masking Tape
• White Paper

Easy Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Squeeze or spoon paint into the middle of the plastic bag.
2. Place a white sheet of paper on your table. Lay the zip-seal bag flat on top, smooth out some of the air, and seal.
3. Tape all sides down securely to make sure the paper and bag don't move around.
4. Let your child "fingerpaint" on the top of the bag.

Fun Tips:

• If your preschool Picasso has problems with not having a finished painting to hang on the fridge, insert a sheet of cardstock, cut to size, inside the plastic bag before adding the paint. Once the masterpiece is finished, pull the paper out to dry.
• You don't have to use just your fingers! Try using toy cars, rolling pins, marbles, or other things that roll to mix and smooth out the paint.