Easy Kid Project: Stamped Apple Art

This morning we had Camille's friend Gigi over for a little crafty playdate. Staying at home with Camille full-time definitely challenges me to think of out-of-the-box ideas to keep her entertained and stimulated. But before you give me any credit, I completely swiped this idea from my Instagram friend Hilary!

I started off by creating an area for the girls consisting of a little table and thick light gray cardstock taped down with painter's tape. 

Camille's morning naptime bought me a few minutes to slice the apples in half and then cut out grooves on each side, making the apple easier for little hands to pick up.

We used three types of craft paint that I already had on hand, so the only cost for this project was the apples! (And the wedges I cut out of the sides were on the table in a little plastic bowl for snacking.)

While Gigi was here, I couldn't snap any photos of them doing the artwork ... I was more concerned with helping Camille make her art and ensuring that the paint didn't end up on her dress, in my hair, on our walls. But after Gigi left, we made three more pieces of stamped apple art to share with family. This time I was able to pull out my camera and grab some photos. 

Camille really grasped the concept of holding on to the apples. She needed a little help with the placement to fill up the page, but she did a great job and genuinely seemed entertained.

And here's one of the pieces we completed. The other three are a little more "freeform" which I also love (because I was able to relax and let her hold her own paint-covered apple).

Gigi's mother Sarah and I really enjoyed this easy and inexpensive craft, and it gives us something cute to hang on our fridge. 

If you have other ideas for fun crafts with little ones, I'd love to hear them!