ice paint 3 2513

Creating art with frozen paint cubes (ice painting) is a super fun summertime or warm-weather activity. It’s also a great party activity for a Frozen-themed birthday party (or any winter-themed celebration)! Our Art with Alyssa columnist shares instructions on how to create ice paintings below. 

SUPPLIES

  • Tempera or finger paint in bright colors
  • Ice cubes trays or small paper cups
  • Popsicle sticks, cut in half (one per color)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Scissors
  • Paint
  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • Construction paper or mixed media paper
  • Something to cover work area

DIRECTIONS

  1. For thick creamy paint, you can simply squeeze paint directly into ice cube trays. Or, for thinner paint that looks more like watercolor, use 1 Tablespoon water, ½ Tablespoon dish soap, and 1½ Tablespoons paint. Water thins paint; adding dish soap helps with clean up. Mix well then pour into the ice cube tray. Note: For taste-safe paint, you can use instant vanilla pudding tinted with food coloring. The colors will be very soft like pastels. 
    ice paint 1 2513
  2. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap. Cut a small slit into the plastic above each ice cube tray section and insert ½ popsicle stick into each opening. The plastic wrap helps the popsicle sticks stay upright as the paint freezes.

  3. Place tray in the freezer overnight. 
    ice paint 7 2513
  4. The following day, twist the trays to release the frozen cubes as you would ice cubes. If they do not release easily, set the bottom of the tray in water for 30 seconds or so. 
    ice paint 6 2513
  5. When ready to paint, allow the cubes to sit out for a few minutes first to soften slightly. Paint as desired. 

    ice paint 2 2513 

    ice paint 4 2513     

Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the author of San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” column.

____________

How to Make a Campfire Crown

How to Make a Campfire Crown

Nothing says camping like a gooey s’mores goodness, so it’s only fitting that kings and queens of the campfire wear s’mores-themed crowns. Here are instructions to make campfire crowns for you . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

This fun, do-it-yourself kiddie car wash keeps kids and their ride-on toys cool and clean. Add a spray hose, mild dish detergent and a bubble gun for hours of outdoor playtime. Total cost of materia . . .

Read more

Craft a Paper Carousel

Craft a Paper Carousel

This project is inspired by the beautiful historic carousel that sits majestically in the northeast corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Whether you’re planning a whimsical birthday party, celebra . . .

Read more

Ice Painting

Ice Painting

Creating art with frozen paint cubes (ice painting) is a super fun summertime or warm-weather activity. It’s also a great party activity for a Frozen-themed birthday party (or any winter-themed ce . . .

Read more

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

May the "fourth" be with you (the force, that is)! Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 or hosting a Star Wars-themed birthday party, these easy DIY lightsabers are a hit with ki . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lot . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

  Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

DIY Instruments for Kids

DIY Instruments for Kids

Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ lovable and courageous storybook character, craft your own Lorax stick puppets and puppet theater. This fun project is a great springboard for conversation with kids about t . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe