Straw Painting (blow painting)
Blowing thinned paint across paper through a straw sends colour skittering into wild branching shapes.
By WonderCraft Kids Editorial Team, Editorial team · Updated 3 September 2026
Straw painting swaps the brush for lung power. A puddle of runny paint on paper, a straw held just above it, and a firm blow sends the colour racing outward into shapes no one could plan. It is loud, a little theatrical, and reliably gets a laugh out of children who have decided regular painting is boring.
What you need
- Washable paint thinned with water, 3-4 colours
- Thick paper or card
- Drinking straws, one per colour or per child
- Small spoons or droppers
- A tray or plastic sheet underneath the paper
- An apron or old shirt
Step by step
- 1
Thin each paint colour with water until it pours like syrup, not paste.
- 2
Spoon a small puddle of one colour onto the paper.
- 3
Hold the straw just above the puddle, not touching it, and blow steadily.
- 4
Watch the paint branch outward, then add a second colour puddle nearby.
- 5
Let colours meet and blend where the blown streams cross.
- 6
Leave flat to dry fully before moving, since thin paint takes longer to set.
What kids learn
Breath control
Blowing steadily rather than in one short puff gives children a chance to practise controlled exhalation.
Cause and effect
A harder blow makes longer branches, which lets children test and compare outcomes for themselves.
Colour mixing
Watching two blown colours merge shows mixing happening live rather than as something explained to them.
Make it easier
Use one colour at a time and a wide straw, and let an adult hold the paper steady while they blow.
Make it more challenging
Introduce two straws blowing from different angles at once to see how the branching patterns compete.
Safety and supervision
- Supervise straw use with children prone to sucking instead of blowing, to avoid inhaling paint.
- Use paint labelled non-toxic and washable.
- Protect the surrounding surface with a tray or sheet, since thinned paint splatters more than usual.
Adult supervision is required for every activity on this site. Read our full child safety guidelines.
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wondercraftkids.com
Straw Painting for Kids
Ages 4-8 · 20 min · some mess
Ages 4+ · Some mess
Suggested pin description
Straw Painting for Kids: Blowing thinned paint across paper through a straw sends colour skittering into wild branching shapes. Ages 4+, 30 minutes total, some mess. Full step-by-step instructions and a materials list at WonderCraft Kids.
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Frequently asked questions
My child keeps sucking instead of blowing — what do I do?+
Practise blowing bubbles through the straw into a cup of water first so they get the feel of exhaling before paint is involved.
Why is my paint not branching?+
It is likely too thick. Add a little more water until it moves easily on the page, then try again.
