Painted Salt Snowflake Craft with FREE Template

My kids had so much fun making these snowflakes. There is really no right or wrong way to make them… making this craft perfect for kids of all ages.

Painted Salt Snowflake Craft

Materials Needed for Salt Snowflake Art

Let’s gather our supplies! Here’s everything you’ll need for this winter art project:

• White glue
• Table salt
• Watercolor paints (This set of watercolors is our favorite because it has lovely colors)
• Paintbrushes
• Free snowflake template (download below!)
• Thick cardstock paper

Pro tip: Grab a cookie sheet or tray to catch excess salt – your vacuum cleaner will thank you later!

Step-by-Step Painted Snowflake Process

For your convenience, you can watch our short video tutorial and printable directions are available at the end of this post.

4. Paint the Salt: Once the salt is dry, use your watercolor paints and a paintbrush to carefully add color to the salt. The salt will absorb the paint and create a beautiful, textured effect. Experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve your desired look.

5. Let it Dry: Let the watercolor paint dry completely. Then, carefully cut out the snowflake shape using scissors. Your creation is now ready to display as winter décor or use in a winter-themed craft project!

Tips and Tricks:

• Salt Type: Use fine-grained table salt for the best results.
• Glue Consistency: If your glue is too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out.
• Watercolor Application: Use a light touch when applying the watercolor paint to avoid dissolving the salt. Start with a small amount of paint and gradually add more as needed.
• Color Blending: To create a blended effect, wet the salt with a clean, damp paintbrush before applying the watercolor paint.
• Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle by mixing glitter with the salt before applying it to the glue.
• Preservation: To protect your finished snowflakes, spray them with a clear acrylic sealant.

Science Behind Salt Crystal Art

While creating winter art activities, we’re actually doing some serious science:

Crystal Formation:

• Salt crystals form cubic structures
• The glue provides a sticky base for crystal growth
• Paint travels through the salt via capillary action
• Temperature and humidity affect drying time

Educational Benefits:

• Fine motor skill development
• Color theory understanding
• Pattern recognition
• Scientific observation skills

How to Download Your FREE Template

Downloading your free printable snowflake template is easy! Click the link below, save the file, and print it out at home. Need to resize it? Adjust the settings on your printer to create smaller or larger templates perfect for any project.

Conclusion:

The DIY Painted Salt Snowflake Craft is a fun and festive way to celebrate the winter season. With its simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a perfect activity for all ages. Plus, the free template makes it even easier to get started. So gather your supplies, download the template, and create your own beautiful, sparkling snowflakes today!

Print the Directions Here:

Print

Salt Snowflake Winter Craft

Use the template to make a 3D snowflake with glue, salt, and watercolors.

Keyword: Craft, Winter

Materials

• White glue
• Table salt
• Watercolor paints
• Paintbrushes
• Free snowflake template
• Thick cardstock paper

Instructions

• Print the Template: Download and print the free snowflake template onto your cardstock paper. This will ensure your snowflake design stays sturdy throughout the process. If desired, lightly trace the snowflake design with a pencil to make it more visible.

  Glue Application: Use white glue to trace the snowflake design on the template. Squeeze white glue along the lines of the snowflake design. Be generous with the glue, but avoid creating large puddles.

  Sprinkle Salt: While the glue is still wet, generously sprinkle salt over the entire snowflake design. Make sure all the glue is covered with salt. Gently shake off any excess salt onto your tray or plate.

  Paint the Salt: Once the salt is dry, use your watercolor paints and a paintbrush to carefully add color to the salt. The salt will absorb the paint and create a beautiful, textured effect. Experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve your desired look.

  Let it Dry: Let the watercolor paint dry completely. Then, carefully cut out the snowflake shape using scissors. Your creation is now ready to display as winter décor or use in a winter-themed craft project!

Notes

• Salt Type: Use fine-grained table salt for the best results.
• Glue Consistency: If your glue is too thick, add a few drops of water to thin it out.
• Watercolor Application: Use a light touch when applying the watercolor paint to avoid dissolving the salt. Start with a small amount of paint and gradually add more as needed.
• Color Blending: To create a blended effect, wet the salt with a clean, damp paintbrush before applying the watercolor paint.
• Glitter: Add a touch of sparkle by mixing glitter with the salt before applying it to the glue.
• Preservation: To protect your finished snowflakes, spray them with a clear acrylic sealant.

Download the Template Here:

More Ideas to Make Winter Perfect:

• Colorful Ice Blocks for Winter Play
• How to Make a Snowman Sensory Bag
• Epic Snow Activities for Kids