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Colorful fireworks painting using salt and glue technique on canvas.

Salt & Glue Fireworks Painting

A fun and engaging art project that uses salt and glue to create stunning visuals reminiscent of fireworks.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Art Project, Crafting
Cuisine Creative
Servings 1 project

Ingredients
  

Materials

  • 1 piece Watercolor paper or thick cardstock Watercolor paper is ideal for absorbency.
  • 1 bottle White school glue Best for clear drying effect.
  • 1 cup Coarse salt Can substitute with regular table salt or sugar.
  • 4 colors Watercolors (in bright colors such as red, blue, yellow, and purple) Bright colors recommended for vibrant effects.
  • 1 set Paintbrushes For applying watercolors.
  • 1 small tray A small tray or container for water To rinse brushes.
  • 1 spoon A spoon for salt application To evenly sprinkle salt.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Choose a flat surface to work on, and cover it with an old newspaper or plastic sheet to protect against spills and messes. Gather all your materials.

Creating the Design

  • With the white school glue, draw starburst patterns on the watercolor paper. Use different sizes and shapes to create depth in your design.

Applying Salt

  • While the glue is still wet, sprinkle coarse salt over the glue designs. Ensure it's well-covered. The salt will create lovely texture and absorb color later.

Drying

  • Let the salt-covered glue dry completely. This may take a few hours, or you can leave it overnight for a more thorough set.

Adding Color

  • Once the glue is dry, use your watercolor paints to carefully paint over the salt and glue design. Let the colors blend and spread.

Final Touch

  • As the watercolors interact with the salt, watch as vibrant patterns emerge. Let it dry completely.
  • Once dry, gently shake off any remaining salt to reveal the finished masterpiece.

Notes

Experiment with different shapes—try spirals or circles instead of just starbursts for diverse designs. Use food coloring instead of watercolor for a different hue effect. Swap out coarse salt for glitter for an extra sparkle! Try using acrylic paint for a more vivid result, but note that it won’t absorb like watercolor.
Keyword Art Activities, Creative Projects, DIY Crafts, Fireworks Painting, Kids Craft