The little Wusel story
White paper and a protective mat lay on the workshop table. Puschel looked at the paint pots. Puschel“We don’t need pencils today!” he said. Puschel“Today we’re painting with paw paints.”
Flauschi smiled. Flauschi“Human children call them finger paints. Our paws can make colourful prints with them.”
Puschel dabbed some yellow onto the paper. The blob spread wider than he expected. Puschel“Oops. I’ve squashed my sun!” he said.
Flauschi looked at the yellow patch. Flauschi“To me, it looks like the middle of a flower. Shall we dab petals around it?” Puschel nodded. Together they made red prints around the yellow. Flauschi drew a green stem underneath with the tip of her paw.
Puschel“Now we have a blob flower!” Puschel said happily. On a second sheet they dabbed little leafy treetops. On a third, Puschel made yellow dots between green lines. Flauschi added red curves beside them.
Puschel“What will it be?” Puschel asked. Flauschi“I don’t know yet,” Flauschi said. Flauschi“I just want to try these colours.” Puschel took some more yellow. Puschel“Then my picture can simply be my picture for now, too.”
Puschel held up his paws. Puschel“Look how colourful my fingers are!” Flauschi showed him her yellow, red and green paw tips. Flauschi“Our paws joined in the painting!” she said, laughing. Their blob flower, little woodland and picture of free colourful marks lay on the table.
When they finished, they laid the pictures on the protected surface to dry. They closed the paint pots and washed their paws. Three different pictures lay side by side. None had to look like another.
What you need
- finger paints intended for children – an adult checks the age recommendation and instructions on the packaging
- thick paper or light-coloured card
- a wipe-clean mat and clothes that can get paint on them
- small, stable paint containers or painting dishes for a little paint
- a washcloth, water, soap and a towel
- a wide brush if you prefer not to touch the paint with your fingers
How it works
- An adult helps you prepare: protect the table, set out the materials and leave a space for drying. Wash your hands.
- Choose a few colours. An adult sets out small amounts in stable paint containers.
- Try dabbing with a fingertip on a spare sheet. For a line, move your finger slowly across the paper. A brush works too.
- Choose one of the ideas below, or paint freely. You do not need to do all three.
- Wipe your finger before changing colours if you want to keep them separate. You may also mix them on purpose.
- Lay the pictures flat to dry. Close the paint pots, tidy up together and wash your hands with water and soap.
Three ideas – you choose
You may watch first, use a brush, or stop whenever you like.
Pawprint flowers
A flower may have round, long or wonderfully wonky petals.
- Dab a coloured dot onto your paper for the centre.
- Make finger prints in another colour around it.
- Draw a stem underneath and dab on leaves. Or let your flower grow without a stem.
A colourful Wusel woodland
Your woodland can be green, glow orange or have colours you invent.
- Draw a few tree trunks with a fingertip or a brush.
- Dab lots of prints above them for leaves or leafy treetops.
- Add little Wusel tracks, grass or a path if you like.
My feelings picture
Which colours would you like to use today? No colour always means one feeling. There is no right or wrong.
- Choose one colour, several colours or just a blank sheet for now.
- Dab dots, draw lines or let colours run together. Your picture does not need to show a recognisable object.
- You choose whether to show your picture or talk about it. Nobody has to guess what it means. You can take a break whenever you like.
Lumi’s note for adults: Use only finger paints intended for the child’s age; check the age recommendation, ingredients and manufacturer’s instructions. Supervise the activity. Paint belongs on paper, not in the mouth, near the eyes or on the face as make-up. For sensitive or broken skin, choose a brush instead; stop and wash off the paint if the skin becomes irritated. Protect the table and floor. Not every paint washes completely out of clothes or off furniture.
About the paint instructions
Age recommendations and cleaning instructions vary by product. Follow your own packaging. Manufacturer information consulted: GRÜNSPECHT · STAEDTLER.