Bark painting

Are you ready for some open-ended discovery, curiosity, experimentation, and process-based art project?

Barks found in nature are free invitations and a blank canvas for you to create! They also make a perfect way to spread positive messages out there.

Supplies needed 

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• White paint
• Rainbow brush set
• Neon watercolor or Paint sticks
• Permanent black marker
• Triple Thick Glaze
• Heat tool

Optional (for decoration)

• Pompoms
• Glitter
• Feathers
• Sequins
• White glue
• Twinkles

Directions:

If you live near trees, take the kids for a walk and gather pieces of bark from the ground.

I created two versions, as shown in the video above. One is painted with watercolors, and the other with paint sticks. A big hooray for these no-mess paint sticks that made the bark so colorful and are perfect for tiny hands!

The first step is to go on a walk to collect bark. Right now, in Southern California where I live, the ground is covered with fallen bark, making it the perfect time to gather materials.

Next, cover the entire piece of bark with white paint and let it dry completely. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but you can use a heat tool to speed up the process.

The bark pieces might shrink and curl when painted, but they will return to their original shape as they dry. Some pieces may need extra help to stay flat, so I cover them with kitchen paper, place a weight on top, and leave them for about 20 minutes.

Now it's time to paint! Set up paint brushes (purple brush), a water jar, and watercolor pods. Mix colors together, create patterns, blend the paint, and have fun! There’s no wrong way to enjoy this creative moment. Once you're done, let the bark pieces dry completely.

If you're doing this project with kids, it's time to extend an invitation to create—a thoughtfully arranged provocation to make something unique using the provided materials. Set out sequins, washi tape, feathers, glitter, pompoms, and invite them to let their imaginations run wild. Each child will come up with a final outcome that is totally unpredictable and creative.

Next, use permanent black markers to write quotes or draw on the bark pieces. Add a final touch with some sparkly twinkles! To protect the watercolor, apply a glaze of Triple Thick. Optional: Use a glue gun and twine to create a handle on the back of the bark, transforming it into a beautiful piece of wall art!

One of the barks were found and made a stranger happy! Check it out HERE.

To create a ring like the one I"m using at the video, click HERE.

Don't forget to check out these super easy shell craft too.

For more ideas, follow:

Instagram Word Rocks Project

Pinterest Word Rocks Project

Facebook Word Rocks Project