When art feels too structured, it can lose appeal to kiddos. But even crafting’s toughest little critics will usually jump at the chance to make “mud!”

All you’ll need is brown finger paint and Italian bread crumbs. Use a paint brush to slather on the dirt, or dig your hands in to make it a sensory experience.

We painted some Creatology bear masks with our “mud,” but painting hand drawn animals is just as fun. Or make use of that stack of coloring pages by getting the characters muddy after a long adventure!

Making mud becomes even more popular when you switch out your materials for sweeter ones. Try using chocolate pudding and crushed cookies the same way for an artsy dirt dessert!