Backyard Mud Painting

What you'll need

• A scoop of clean garden soil (no rocks or twigs)
• A small jug of water
• 3-4 small bowls or an old muffin tin
• Thick watercolor paper or cardboard pieces
• A few chunky paintbrushes and a sponge
• An old towel or drop cloth
• Optional: a spoon of flour to thicken the paint

How to make it

1. 1

   Spread the drop cloth outside and set up the bowls in the middle.

2. 2

   Together, scoop soil into each bowl. Let your child feel the dry texture first.

3. 3

   Add a splash of water to the first bowl and stir with a brush until it looks like chocolate milk.

4. 4

   In the second bowl make a thicker mud, like pudding. In the third, make it nearly dry like clay.

5. 5

   Talk about the differences: which one drips? Which one sticks? Which one smells the strongest?

6. 6

   Invite your child to paint whatever they want — swirls, handprints, a house.

7. 7

   When finished, lay the paintings flat in the sun. Mud dries into beautiful matte brown tones.