As you may have seen in my previous post Pick Seasonal Fruit (Part 2- Apple Picking) -Tick! We had a few apples that weren’t suitable for eating, so I was looking for other ways to use them so they didn’t go to waste. One of my favourite craft activities with young children is apple printing because it’s so easy for them to do, and makes a really effective piece of art for display.
So, for Muddy Monday this week, we decided to set up an art table outside in the October sunshine and print with apples! While this activity doesn’t involve mud, it does involve using natural materials and mess and we did take the activity outside…so it still counts!
First I set up some art paper and a wide flat container to put a selection of colours in. It needed to be wide and flat enough for duckling to be able to print the apples into the paint (I used a cake tin lid). I also stuck some clothes pegs into the apples to make it a little easier for those little hands to grasp.
After a little modelling from me, Duckling, who is almost 19 months, grasped the concept really quickly and set to work.
It really was a beautiful Autumn day and this kept her occupied for a good half an hour, while I was able to sit, relax and enjoy the autumn beauty whilst knowing that she was happy and occupied.
At first I was a little concerned that having all the paints together in one container would mix together and create an ugly brown mess, but actually, the mix of colours was really effective.
In fact, it turned out beautiful and we now have it displayed proudly on the playroom wall.
Have yout tried apple printing with a toddler? Were you surprised at the results?
Make sure you check out our other Muddy Monday post to see more seasonal toddler activities. Why not start HERE
The Seasonal Child 
Such a great idea! Clothes pins and apples, I would have never thought of this. Looks like she is really enjoying herself as well : ), what a cutie. Thanks so much for sharing with #StayClassyMama!
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I went to do this last week with the group of children staying here. I had it all planned out how we would go for a toddler walk through the orchard, collect the windfalls and make autumn prints just like this. However on a pre inspection of our orchard the trees had failed me this year and we didn’t have a single apple! I resorted to Acorn crafts instead as we have loads of these. Lovely to see someone else thinking of the apple printing idea. Next year may be we’ll try too! I need to display more of the work the children do here. Perhaps I’ll start a sharing wall in the games room.
Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
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Oh what a shame! 😦 I saw your acorn prints and they were extremely effective, I think we might try that too at some point 🙂
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How creative! We’ve never done apple painting, but this looks so much fun! My daughter will love this too and looks like yours enjoyed it so much 🙂 #countrykids
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She certainly did! So simple and so much fun, highly recommended! 🙂
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Like the idea of the peg. When mine were young. I cut out two notches at the top to make a handle. Your way seems easier. Wonderful paintings and lovely to do it outside. #CountryKids
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We try and take things outside as much as possible, it just adds an extra element of fun! 🙂
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This looks like a lot of fun! In the garden and sunny too. I live how quickly kids pick things up if you show them how! Good printing 😀 #countrykids
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What a lovely activity for outdoors.Painting can be so messy as I remember, so much paper to put down.I’m sure by this time next year you’ll have a lovely wall of all her wonderful creations.Over from Country Kids.
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Awww it’s always a great painting activity. I remember my daughter when she was younger, she loves apple and potato painting too. ❤
#countrykids
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