Colorful Rainbow Craft

Here’s a fun rainbow craft that will brighten your day! Perfect for preschool, toddlers, and beyond!

Read on to find out what materials you’ll need, how easy this is to set up, and the benefits of sensory-based crafts!

What’s better than making beautiful artwork out of everyday items? Cardboard and cotton balls are such a fun canvas that you can easily make!

Plus, using liquid watercolors and a dropper to paint the cotton balls allows the art process to slow down. A child will be able to concentrate on each color of the rainbow, and beautifully soak in the colors just like the cotton balls!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: Fine Motor Skills

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience. It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

Watch the video to see the rainbow craft in action!

This is a wonderfully hands on experience from start to finish. Children can first enjoy the process of building the shape of a rainbow with cotton balls, using glue to place one layer down at a time. Almost appearing like a big cloud, children will be excited to fill those cotton balls up with colors!

Using droppers to apply the colors to the cotton balls provides an added fine motor skill experience. It is truly not only a perfect rainbow craft for preschool, but also a great at-home activity!

Materials

Piece of cardboard
Mod Podge or glue

Piece of cardboard
Mod Podge or glue
Cotton Balls
Liquid Watercolor or Paint
Jumbo Droppers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

Step 2

Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

Step 3

Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

Step 1

Brush a layer of Mod Podge (or glue if you don’t have any) over the entire piece of cardboard.

Step 2

Stick the cotton balls onto the glue in a rainbow shape. (The extra glue on the sides will dry and provide a water-resistant area for wiping any excess water color that might miss the cotton ball!)

Step 3

Now make those cotton balls vibrant! Use a dropper and liquid watercolor or a paintbrush with paints and explore how the cotton balls absorb color!

Benefits of sensory based crafts

The benefits of sensory based activities are so amazing! From hand-eye coordination, to fine motor skills, and has been said to even build nerve connection in the brain.

And did I mention how calming sensory play can be? Sensory play is so immersive and long lasting! I find that my children engage in sensory activities for much longer than other types of activities! Definitely not your 5 minutes and done type of set up!

Combine sensory play with a craft and the results are truly amazing! The tactile nature of cotton balls, using liquid watercolors and the droppers allows for a unique experience with a colorful keepsake to be proud of!

Free Printable Dot the Rainbow Activity

Want an extra easy way to craft the rainbow? Head on over to my printable shop and download this free Dot the Rainbow activity!

Use a dot marker, cotton swab, cotton ball, or other art tool to complete the rainbow! This fun and free printable is a great activity for color recognition and fine motor skills!

This is just one of many more free printables for you and your little ones to enjoy!