Sweet Strawberries: A Mixed Media Art Project for Kids 🍓

There’s something about strawberries in the summertime that just feels joyful—and this art project captures that spirit perfectly! Inspired by an illustration I found on Pinterest by artist Vicki Johnson and the amazing strawberry project by @howgraythouart, this lesson became an instant favorite in my adapted art classroom.It’s full of texture, color, and fun process-based steps that are easy to adapt for a wide range of abilities. Here’s how we brought these sweet summer scenes to life:

🍓 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Splatter the Seeds

Start by lightly pre-drawing 8–10 strawberry shapes on a half sheet of red construction paper. Using a toothbrush dipped in white tempera paint, have students gently splatter “seeds” onto each strawberry. Let them dry completely before cutting.

2. Create the Plate

Cut out a circle from black construction paper for the plate. Then use the back of a plastic fork or a small piece of cardboard to dip in white paint and stamp around the edge for a decorative border.

3. Design the Tablecloth

On a 9" x 12" piece of yellow construction paper, invite students to draw horizontal and vertical stripes using oil pastels. We used neon pinks, reds, and white for a bold, summery vibe. This becomes the colorful table beneath the plate!

4. Assemble the Strawberries

Once dry, students can cut out their strawberries and arrange them on their black plate. Glue several onto the plate, and encourage them to glue a few around the “table” too for added interest and variety.

5. Add the Leaves and Stems

Use the same toothbrush or a piece of cardboard to swipe up from the strawberry top using light and dark green paint. This creates the leafy top. For an extra detail, stamp or draw stems as well!

6. Pop It Off the Page

Want to make the plate literally pop off the tablecloth? Glue a few small pieces of cardboard behind the plate before attaching it to the background. This 3D effect adds a fun dimensional surprise to the finished piece.

🍓 Finishing Touches:

Have your artists sign their names in the bottom corner—because every masterpiece deserves a signature!

 

I hope you and your kiddos love this project, I know mine did! Happy making!