Let's make it
Instructions.
- 1
Print the ghost, jack-o'-lantern, and candy corn templates on cardstock. Regular printer paper works in a pinch, but thicker paper holds the wet paint better.
- 2
Add your desired amount of shaving cream to a bowl. Cover it with a good coating of white school glue and gently mix. No exact measurements needed. If the mixture seems too runny, add more shaving cream. If it isn’t holding together well, add a little more glue. You’re looking for a thick, fluffy consistency that holds its shape. Can't use shaving cream? An adult can dispense Mr. Bubble foam soap instead and gently fold in the glue.
- 3
Divide the mixture into bowls and add a small amount of food coloring or washable paint to make white, orange, and yellow. Start with less color than you think you need; you can always add more.
- 4
Let kids paint with a brush, spoon, craft stick, or their fingers. The bumps, swirls, peaks, and little imperfections are what make puffy paint fun.
- 5
Add the details: layer white, orange, and yellow on the candy corn; cover the ghost in fluffy white while leaving the face visible; spread orange over the pumpkin and add yellow face details.
- 6
Set the finished artwork somewhere flat and leave it undisturbed. Puffy paint takes longer to dry than regular paint; once it does, the picture will be soft-looking, raised, and fun to feel.
Safety tip
- Not taste-safe: shaving cream, foam soap, glue, and food coloring should never go in the mouth. Don't let children lick fingers, brushes, or craft sticks, and keep this activity away from children who still put materials in their mouths.
- Adult supervision is required for the whole activity.
- Teachers, childcare providers, and staff: follow your school, daycare, or facility's policies before using shaving cream, foam soap, or any other material. Some facilities don't allow shaving cream or aerosol products.
- If you use foam soap, an adult should dispense it, keep the can out of children's reach, and follow the product label. The foam soap packaging warns against use by children under 3.
- Keep the paint away from eyes, and wash hands after play. For sensitive skin, test a small patch first.
- Always follow the safety precautions and label directions on every product you use.
- For younger children, choose a taste-safe sensory activity instead.
A Note for Teachers, Childcare Providers, and Staff
We know that not every classroom or program can use shaving cream. Mr. Bubble foam soap is an optional alternative, but it is still an aerosol product, and some facilities have restrictions on fragrance, soap ingredients, or pressurized containers. The fragrance-free Extra Gentle version is the best choice for classrooms.
Always follow your school, daycare, or facility's policies, and consider individual children's needs and sensitivities before introducing new materials.
Field Notes
- Parent tip: Kids don't have to follow the traditional colors. Make a purple ghost, give the pumpkin a green face, or turn the candy corn rainbow.
- Parent tip: Skip brushes and offer craft sticks, cotton swabs, sponges, or other painting tools. Different tools create different textures.
- No shaving cream? Mr. Bubble foam soap is an optional alternative. We tested it in our Halloween Puffy Paint Bats and Spiders activity. For classrooms, the fragrance-free Extra Gentle version is the best choice.
- Setup takes about 5–10 minutes, and some adult help is needed. Through play, this activity supports fine motor strength, bilateral coordination, visual-motor skills, sensory exploration, and creativity.
