Salt Painted Christmas Tree

Salt painting is one of our favorite craft projects. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, and children enjoy watching the “magic” as the paint travels across the salt. This salt painted Christmas tree project can be completed in two different ways. You can try salt painting, or create a Christmas tree decorated with glitter paint. The glitter trees can even be transformed into Christmas cards.

RELATED: Christmas Crafts for Kids

Salt Painted Christmas Tree Activity

If salt painting isn’t your preference, this same printable pattern can be used to create glitter-painted Christmas trees.

Simply follow the instructions below, replacing the salt with your preferred glitter.

To make this craft extra easy, we’ve provided a complimentary template. You can request the template at the end of this post.

You can also create this project by sketching your own Christmas trees!

Supplies Needed for Salt Painting

Watch the Video Tutorial

SALT PAINTING TIPS:

• Prepare a more concentrated liquid watercolor mixture. Add only a little water so the shades remain brighter. When using food coloring, avoid thinning it excessively.
• Standard watercolors can be used as well.
• Lightly dip your brush into the liquid watercolors, picking up only a small amount each time. Excess water can flow beyond the salted lines while you paint. This isn’t a major concern when crafting casually with children, but if you plan to display the artwork, we’ve found that using a minimal amount of paint gives the best results.
• We prefer painting immediately because the salt becomes somewhat lumpier when left standing.
• Place a piece of cardboard beneath the cardstock to protect your counter or table from moisture, since the liquid watercolor can soak through slightly.
• Choose thick white cardstock to help prevent bleeding – this white cardstockis heavier than standard paper, though you can also review the paper weight while placing your order (we prefer 100 lbs).

Steps for Salt Painting

1. Print the template.

Start by printing the template, or sketch a Christmas tree of your own.

2.Outline with glue.

First, use glue to outline the Christmas tree.

It’s perfectly fine if a little black remains visible as you apply the glue. After the salt is added, the black lines will be hidden.

3. Add the salt.

Here comes the enjoyable part! Cover the glue with salt by sprinkling it generously. We prefer keeping a separate supply of salt for craft projects. Afterward, shake away the extra salt and save it for another salt craft.

You can also reuse it for making these salt painted snowflakes.

Tip: Sprinkle plenty of salt over the Christmas tree so every section of glue is covered. Any uncovered area will prevent the color from traveling across it.

4.Begin painting with your watercolors!

We prefer liquid watercolors because they’re simple to handle and produce brighter results than food coloring or standard watercolors. Still, either food coloring or regular watercolors can be used. No matter which option you choose, use only a small amount of water so the colors stay vivid.

For an affordable liquid watercolor option, we recommend these ones.