This Sponge Paint Christmas tree craft is designed for the toddler and preschool age group. As with all the toddler crafts on the site, the main aim is to find a craft that involves toddler-appropriate skills that they can attempt without much assistance. This craft has two stages – the painting stage and the decorating stage after the paint is dry.

Stuff Needed to Prepare the Craft:

• Paper.
• Masking tape.
• Newspaper or extra paper to cover surrounding paper.
• A contrasting colour of paper or card (small piece).
• Scissors.

Stuff Needed for Person doing the Craft:

• Green paint.
• A piece of sponge (a thick paintbrush would work instead or a good-sized piece of broccoli!)
• A paper plate or small tray to put the paint on.
• Stickers or something to decorate the finished tree. Gold or silver star-shaped stickers work especially well for this craft.

Adult Preparation

1. Stick three strips of masking tape lightly onto the paper to mark out a large triangle for the tree. Then stick three pieces of newspaper / extra paper over the areas you want to keep paint free. Extra newspaper can be used to protect the table.

2. Cut a square of paper or card in a contrasting colour to make the pot for the tree. Set aside.
3. Set up a painting station for the toddler art.

Note:  If the masking tape is pressed down too hard it can damage the paper when you peel it back off. If you’re having problems with this, stick three sheets of paper on with Blu-tack© in place of the masking tape strips.

Toddler Activity

1. Invite your young artist to paint the tree shape with a sponge.
2. Carefully peel the tape off to reveal the tree (older toddlers may be able to do this themselves. If so, do this stage before cleaning up!)

3. Leave to dry.
4. Once dry, decorate the tree. Star-shaped stickers are excellent for this because it will look great whether the stars are on the tree, on the surrounding space or both!

Completion

Stick the base of the tree on with a glue stick. Older toddlers can do this stage themselves.

You could make the sponge paint Christmas tree on pre-folded cards to send to relatives. A quicker alternative is to scan and re-print the finished product if you’d like to send lots!