How To Make A No-Mess Earth Day Painting
April 2, 2026
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This no-mess Earth Day painting is the perfect Earth Day activity for kids. It has all the fun and none of the mess. This simple craft turns an ordinary paper plate into a beautiful tribute to our Earth. Using 7 simple materials you already own, this Earth Day painting is a great way for kids to celebrate Earth Day while containing the mess (and not straining your wallet.)
I love to pair this Earth Day painting with this Earth Day bean mosaic. Both require paint, so it’s easy to quickly paint the beans for the mosaic and create the Earth painting while they dry. Then, you can create the Earth mosaic and you have two beautiful Earth Day craft.
What You’ll Need For this No-Mess Earth Day Painting
How To Make This Earth Day Painting
1. Add small dots and swirls of blue and green paint across the paper plate.
2. Carefully slide the plate into a gallon-sized plastic bag.
3. Seal the bag tightly to keep the paint contained.
4. Let kids press, squish, and spread the paint around from the outside of the bag until the plate is covered in an Earth-like design.
5. Carefully remove the plate from the bag once finished and allow the paint to dry completely.
6. Cut a heart shape from red paper.
7. Glue the heart onto the painted plate.
Important Notes For This Earth Day Activity
Don’t use too much paint. Too much paint on the plate will smear all over and the colors will blend.
Squeeze all the air out. Squeezing all the air out of the bag will make it easier to move the paint around on the plate.
Ensure the plastic bag is zipped. To protect surfaces, make sure you close the plastic bag all the way.
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Earth Day Books
Books are a great way to teach kids about important topics like Earth Day. My absolute favorite Earth Day book is We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom. It honors Indigenous-led movements around the world and encourages children to protect our water from pollution and harm. You can also check out some of my other favorite Earth Day books below.
How To Make A No-Mess Earth Day Painting
This no-mess Earth Day painting is a fun creative way to celebrate Earth Day. This Earth Day craft will be loved by kids and adults.
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 1 Earth Day Paper Plate Painting 1x
- Category: Activities, DIY, Earth Day
- Method: Tutorial
Materials
- Paper plate
- Blue paint
- Green paint
- Gallon-sized plastic bag
- Red construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
- Add small dots and swirls of blue and green paint across the paper plate.
- Carefully slide the plate into a gallon-sized plastic bag.
- Seal the bag tightly to keep the paint contained.
- Let kids press, squish, and spread the paint around from the outside of the bag until the plate is covered in an Earth-like design.
- Carefully remove the plate from the bag once finished and allow the paint to dry completely.
- Cut a heart shape from red paper.
- Glue the heart onto the painted plate.
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