Combine art and science to create these fun marbled Christmas ornaments! Use magnets to paint and make unique Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree this year. Explore magnetism and the wonderful world of STEAM this holiday season.
Painting with Magnets: A Hands-On Science and Art Experiment
Have you ever wondered if magnets can be used for more than attracting metal? With a bit of creativity, magnets can transform into tools for painting! This engaging activity combines science and art, making it a perfect way to explore magnetic forces while creating a unique masterpiece. Using simple materials, you’ll discover how science can inspire creativity. Read on to learn how to set up this exciting process art project, perfect for the holiday season!
💡 Check out more ideas for Christmas science ornaments here.
Watch the Video:
Marbled Christmas Ornaments
Supplies:
- Magnetic wand or bar (we have this set)
- Acrylic or tempera paint
- White paper with star template, Christmas tree template or candy cane template
- Colored paper
- Ribbon
- Magnetic items with a Christmas theme (we used bells)
- Tray
Check out our homemade tempera paint!
How to Paint with Magnets
Make sure to cover your surface as this could get a little messy!
STEP 1: This part is super easy! Put a squirt or blob of colored paint on the paper. Place the magnetic objects on the paper as well.
TIP: If your paint is very thick, make it thinner. In a separate cup, mix a bit of water into the paint. Then add the paint to the paper.
STEP 2: Using a magnetic bar, horseshoe or wand pull the objects through the paint and around the surface of the paper using magnetism! Then leave to dry. Repeat for each type of ornament you want to make.
NOTE: You can also pull the objects from underneath the paper if you have it on a tray!
STEP 3. Once the paint has dried, cut around each shape.
STEP 4. Glue the shape onto a similar colored piece of cardstock. Then cut the cardstock around the shape, leaving a slight edge.
STEP 5. To hang the marble ornaments, punch a hole in the top and tie a cute piece of colored ribbon through it.
DIY Science Ornaments for Kids
These science ornaments (more here) are a fantastic way to combine science, art, and Christmas! We have more traditional ornament crafts here.
- Tie Dye Ornaments
- Light Up Circuit Ornaments
- Plastic Milk Ornaments
- Binary Code Ornaments
- 3D Shape Ornaments
- Crystal Candy Cane Ornaments
- Make Bioplastics Ornaments
- Birdseed Ornaments
Printable Christmas STEM Project Pack
200+ PAGES OF HOLIDAY THEME STEAM, STEM, Science, and Art!
- 25+ Christmas theme science and STEM activities with printable sheets, instructions, and useful information all using easy-to-source materials perfect for limited-time needs. Includes a holiday theme engineering pack with fun, problem-based challenges for kids to solve! NEW observation sheets included.
- Try a Santa’s Letter airplane challenge or take the gingerbread house-building challenge!
- Explore the five senses with a specially designed Santa’s Lab pack.
- Try a mini nature study with your favorite type of Christmas tree.
- Try your hand at building shapes with gumdrop structure challenge cards or build shapes with jingle bells. Or try the Christmas-themed paper chain challenge!
- Christmas Screen-free Coding activities include algorithm games, binary code ornaments, and more!
- Explore 6+ Christmas Art Projects with famous artist-inspired activities that combine art history, process art techniques, and more with simple to-do ideas.
