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Imagine · Wild and Tumble activity

Muddy face paint

Camouflage stripes, tiger whiskers, muddy freckles. Paint faces with soft, clean clay.

  • 15 min total
  • Messy fun
  • Ages 3–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Spring to autumn
Let's do this

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 3 min to prepare · 10 min to paint · 2 min to wash. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • Natural or craft clay mixed with water into a smooth paste
  • A small mirror
  • A bowl of warm water and a flannel

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Dip a finger in the clay paste.

  2. Little one leads

    Your child chooses a design: stripes, spots or whiskers.

  3. Paint gently on cheeks and noses, theirs or yours.

  4. Look in the mirror. Who are you now?

  5. Play in character, then wash off with warm water.

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

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