Let's make it
Instructions.
- 1
Print the monster templates on cardstock or heavier paper if possible. The thicker paper holds up better under the puffy paint.
- 2
Add your desired amount of shaving cream to a bowl. Add enough white school glue to give the shaving cream a good coating, then gently fold the mixture together. Can't use shaving cream? An adult can dispense Mr. Bubble foam soap instead and gently fold in the glue.
- 3
Add a few drops of food coloring and gently mix until you reach your desired color. We used food coloring, but you can also use a little washable paint instead. Start with a small amount so you don’t weigh down the fluffy mixture.
- 4
Paint your monster. Spoon, brush, or spread the puffy paint over the monster.
- 5
Press googly eyes into the wet puffy paint or glue them on. Kids can follow the template or completely change the number and placement of the eyes.
- 6
Bend and twist pipe cleaners to make silly hair, antennae, mouths, or other monster features. An adult should cut the pipe cleaners and bend over any sharp ends.
- 7
Place the monster flat and allow it to dry for several hours or overnight. The puffy paint will be at its fluffiest when fresh and will flatten somewhat as it dries.
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, especially for younger children.
- 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.
- Googly eyes are small and can be a choking hazard. Keep them away from children who still mouth objects.
- Pipe cleaners contain thin wire. Adults should cut them and fold or bend sharp ends inward before children handle them.
- Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth, and wash hands after the activity.
- Food coloring can stain hands, clothing, and surfaces. Protect your workspace and consider using a small amount of washable paint instead.
- Always follow the safety and age recommendations on the individual craft supplies you use.
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
- Cardstock works best. Regular printer paper can curl or become soggy under a thick layer of puffy paint.
- 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.
- Don’t worry about making the paint perfectly smooth. Swirls, peaks, and uneven areas make the monsters look even better.
- We used food coloring, but a little washable paint works well if you’re concerned about staining.
- Add color gradually. Too much liquid can make the puffy paint less fluffy.
- Kids don’t have to follow the example. Let them change the number of eyes, colors, and pipe-cleaner features to create their own monster.
- For curly pipe cleaners, wrap them around a pencil or marker, slide them off, and gently stretch the coil.
- If decorations don’t stay in the wet puffy paint, let the project dry and attach them afterward with glue.
- Expect some shrinking. The paint is especially fluffy when first applied and will lose volume as the shaving cream dries.
- Give it several hours or overnight before moving or displaying it. Thick areas will take longer to dry.
