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How to Do Blow Painting with Straws

by Jean Van't Hul
July 5, 2023
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Blow painting with straws is a simple but fun action art activity. Use a straw to blow liquid paint on paper, creating amazing designs!

Updated March 202423

Blow painting with straws is one of those simple art activities that you can do over and over again and enjoy it every time and get a different result every time.

Here’s a video showing blow painting with straws in action and keep scrolling for step-by-step instructions.

It’s one of our Best Art Ideas for Kids and when you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why!

It’s kind of funny to watch, super satisfying to do, and the results are always interesting.

child blowing paint with straws_pin

Blow Painting with Straws

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MATERIALS

*If you don’t have liquid watercolor paint, you can use watered-down food coloring or watered-down tempera paint.

Time needed: 20 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Set up for the activity

    Place a sheet of paper on a tray with sides (a baking dish would work) or do this activity outside.

    Cut your straws in half, so your blowing action is more effective and closer to the paint. If you’re doing this with young children, poke a hole halfway up the straw with a pin. This will prevent them from sucking paint into the straw by accident.

    Put your liquid watercolor paints in small dishes or paint cups.

    use pipette to drop paint onto paper

  2. Add paint drops to paper

    Use a dropper or paintbrush to transfer one or more droplets of liquid watercolor paint to the paper.

    child blowing paint with straws

  3. Blow at paint through straw

    Blow through the straw at the paint drops, forcing the paint to move along the paper in tiny rivulets.

    blow painting with straws

  4. Repeat with more paint

    Repeat steps 1 and 2 with more paint and more colors until you are satisfied with your design. Set aside to dry and start over with a new sheet of paper!

blow painting with straws
Photo by Andrea Martelle

It is so fun to watch the colors run together and mix. After the paint dries, you can display your artwork or use it to make cards, wrapping paper, collage papers for other art, or more.

More Painting Ideas for Kids

Want even more creative ideas?

Check out our Artful Parent Starter Pack!

Engage your kids through art and creativity with this printable booklet where you’ll find all of our best tips, tricks, and ideas for getting started on your artful parenting journey!

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How to Do Blow Painting with Straws

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