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Make your mark

Throw out the brushes and see what children can paint with their bodies, says Hilary White Body printing is a great outdoor activity for the summer months. Take everything outside into the garden, including a large bucket of water or, better still, an old paddling pool. It's so much more fun if children can make a bit of mess with body printing - and they can wash off in the paddling pool before going back indoors!

Body printing is a great outdoor activity for the summer months. Take everything outside into the garden, including a large bucket of water or, better still, an old paddling pool. It's so much more fun if children can make a bit of mess with body printing - and they can wash off in the paddling pool before going back indoors!

You will need:

flat containers filled with ready mixed paint; thick brushes; sturdy paper; bucket or paddling pool of water; soap, sponge and towel; scissors; PVA glue; glitter, sand and stickers (optional)

Hand prints

Brush ready-mixed paint on to the palm and fingers of one hand and press down firmly on the paper. Try spreading out the fingers, or holding them close together. Older children can stretch out just the thumb and little finger, or separate the thumb and index fingers from the other three fingers. Use the handprints to make different pictures and patterns.

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