If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and engaging activity to enjoy with the kids, why not try making a finger-painted Christmas tree? This fun and super easy activity explores the concept of negative space, and the end result is really cool.
It’s not just about the end product though; it’s the laughter, the squish of paint between fingers, and the spark of creativity that truly make this craft special.
Plus, I’ve got a free printable Christmas tree template that you can download to make the process even easier.
Let’s get our fingers colorful and our hearts full of joy!
This craft is fantastic for toddlers and preschoolers as young as ages 18 months to 2 and up.
It’s a sensory delight that allows them to explore textures and colors, but it’s also wonderful for older children who can delve into more intricate designs with their paint-dipped fingers.
The Concept of Negative Space
This delightful finger painting craft ingeniously introduces children to the concept of negative space—the space around and between the subject of an image. By painting around the Christmas tree template, children create a colorful background that, once the template is removed, reveals the shape of the tree in the untouched space.
This is a fundamental principle in art and design, and grasping it can be a genuine ‘aha’ moment for young minds. It’s cool because it flips the usual focus on the subject itself to the surrounding space, teaching kids that what isn’t immediately obvious can be just as important as what is. It encourages them to look at the world from a different perspective, recognizing that emptiness can define structure just as much as the physical form can. Moreover, it’s a delightful surprise when the template is lifted, and the clean shape of the tree emerges like magic from the riot of colors—a thrilling revelation of their own creation.
Benefits of Finger Painting
Finger painting isn’t just fun; it’s a developmental powerhouse! It helps with fine motor skills as kids learn to control their finger movements to create shapes.
The tactile experience can also be soothing and can help with emotional regulation – something we all need during the sometimes hectic holiday season.
Additionally, this activity encourages color recognition, pattern creation, and artistic expression.
How to Make The Negative Space Christmas Tree Craft
Download your free christmas tree template below and follow the step by step to enjoy this fun and creative craft with your little ones this Christmas.
This activity is perfect for at home, or in the preschool classroom or toddler groups.
Finger Painted Christmas Tree
Materials
- White paper or cardstock
- Finger paints in various colors
- The free printable Christmas tree template (download PDF below)
- Cardboard
- Bluetack
- Optional - Smocks or old t-shirts to keep clothes clean
- Optional - A workspace cover, like newspaper or a plastic sheet
- Optional - Wet wipes or a cloth for easy clean-up
Tools
- Scissors
- Printer
Instructions
- Start with Prep: Lay out your workspace with newspapers or a plastic sheet to catch any stray paint, and have your wet wipes or a damp cloth handy for quick clean-up.
- Print the Template: Download the Christmas tree template and cut out. You can use it as is, or draw around it on cardboard to make a more sturdy template
- Affix your Christmas tree outline to your paper, or white cardstock using blue tack if you like to avoid shifting.
- Dollop Your Colors: Squirt small amounts of finger paint onto a palette or a disposable plate. You can use traditional Christmas colors like red, green, and gold, or let the kids choose their favorite rainbow hues.
- Have the kids dip their fingers into the paint and press them onto the paper to decorate around the tree template.
- Once the background is filled with colorful fingerprints, it's time to peel off the template to reveal the pristine Christmas tree shape.
- If the kids want, they can add decorations directly to the tree, like a fingerprint star on top or little colored lights.
- Set your masterpiece aside to dry. Once it's dry, you can display it as is or frame it for a homemade holiday decoration.
Notes
download christmas tree pdf template at the end of this blog post
Download the Free Printable Christmas Tree Template PDF
Ready to start? Click below to download your free printable Christmas tree template. Print it out, and you’re all set for a finger painting adventure!
Terms of use: this christmas tree craft template pdf is available free for personal use, and free for classroom use. Not for commercial use.
More Ideas for the Christmas Tree Template
The beauty of a simple Christmas tree template is its versatility. It’s a starting point for a myriad of creative adventures that can be tailored to the materials you have on hand or the developmental stage of your child.
Here are some more fun and imaginative ways to use the template:
- Q-Tip Painting: Swap out those fingers for Q-tips and let the precision painting begin. Dip the Q-tips in paint and dot them on the paper to create a pointillist effect. This technique is great for practicing fine motor skills and can make a stunningly detailed tree.
- Marble Painting: Add a dash of action to your art by placing your tree template in a box lid, adding a few dollops of paint, and rolling marbles through the splatters to create a uniquely patterned tree. It’s a mix of art, physics, and fun!
- Pom-Poms: For a 3D effect, have a selection of colorful pom-poms ready to be glued onto the tree template. It’s a tactile task that ends with a festive and fluffy Christmas tree.
- Stickers: For an activity with less mess, use stickers. Kids can create patterns with star stickers, round labels, or even homemade paper stickers cut into various shapes.
- Glitter and Glam: There’s something about glitter that just screams ‘holiday spirit’. Apply glue in patterns on the tree and sprinkle glitter over it for a shimmering effect.
- Yarn Wrapping: Introduce some texture by using yarn or string. Apply glue in a design or all over the tree template and lay down pieces of yarn for a cozy, woven look.
- Nature’s Decor: After a walk in the winter air, use the treasures you find, like small twigs, leaves, or seeds, to glue onto the tree template, creating a nature-inspired piece.
- Buttons: For a bit of whimsy, use buttons of various sizes and colors to decorate the tree. It’s a lovely way to practice sorting and categorizing by size or color as well.
- Tissue Paper Technique: Create a stained-glass effect by tearing up pieces of colored tissue paper and gluing them onto the tree area. The overlapping pieces create new colors and a beautiful mosaic.
- Sequin Sparkle: For children who love to sparkle, sequins are a wonderful way to decorate. They can create patterns or fill the entire tree for a dazzling effect.
- Ribbons: Cut ribbons and arrange them across the tree in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines to simulate garlands. Mix and match patterns for a festive look.
- Scrap Paper Collage: A fantastic way to recycle, use scrap paper or old gift wrap to cut out shapes and glue them onto the tree. It’s collage art with a holiday twist!
Remember, the Christmas tree template is just the beginning. Each child can put their own spin on it, and each tree can tell a different story. These activities not only spark creativity but can also become a cherished part of your family’s holiday tradition.
As we gather our paints and papers, let’s remember that it’s these little moments that make the holiday season magical.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about the process, the giggles, the ‘oopsies’, and the ‘look what I made’ that will stay with you and your little ones for years to come.
So roll up those sleeves, get those fingers ready, and let’s make some memories – one fingerprint at a time!
More Christmas Crafts for Preschoolers
- Paper Plate Christmas Candle Wreath
- Santa Stuck in the Chimney Christmas Toilet Roll Craft
- Easy Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
- Textured Winter Collage Craft
- Snowflake Handprints
- Cut and Paste Elf Printable Template For Kids
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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