Blueberry Paint

This art project was inspired by Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey. To see all our Blueberries for Sal activities, click here. 

When you think about activities to make Blueberries for Sal come alive for young readers, you automatically think about recipes: from pancakes to muffins, pie to even sauces, blueberries are perfect for so many things. But anyone who has ever dropped blueberries on their pristine summer white clothes knows that blueberries have the perfect inky purple-blue juice to make paint!

Drawing inspiration from the blue-black ink of the illustrations, this activity will expand the way you think of these yummy little berries. From the fun of smashing berries to proudly displaying finished artwork, young readers are sure to enjoy this new way to paint.

Blueberry Paint

Supplies

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen and thawed blueberries (you can use more or less depending on how much paint you want)
• water
• paper
• paintbrush

1. Place blueberries in a microwave safe bowl. Add a tablespoon or so of water to the blueberries (This is just to thin it a bit; you will need more water if using fresh berries). 
2. Mash the blueberries with a fork. It's okay if there are some large pieces of blueberry left. 
3. Microwave for 1 minute. 
4. Use paintbrush to paint a beautiful picture with the blueberry paint!
   
   
   

Related Post: Try our four-ingredient Blueberry Yogurt Pops!

Comments

[Carolyn @ Mama's Little Muse]

You have such a great site! I love this idea! And I love the book Blueberries for Sal. Can't wait to do this with my son!

[Pinkoddy]

What a really good idea - especially if you have too many to eat :)

[Jen Fischer]

We've painted with beet juice before - the blueberry paint looks great.

[Lexie]

Thank you for all your wonderful comments! Hope you enjoy this activity as much as we did.

Jen, the beet juice paint sounds like a great idea!

[The Iowa Farmer's Wife]

I LOVE this idea! We just tie dyed with beets and hollyhocks. Painting with blueberries is right up our alley! Wanted to let you know I'll be featuring this in my Sunday Showcase post on Saturday!

[Lexie]

Thanks so much for featuring this project! We have a beet project coming up, and I love the hollyhocks idea!

[Gina]

Oh, I love this idea! Following your link from the Sunday Showcase! We'll have to try this. :)