If your home could use a little winter magic, this pine puffy paint is it. It’s soft, fluffy and smells just like a freshly cut Christmas tree. My kids couldn’t stop sniffing it while we mixed it (honestly, same).
Kids paint it onto a Christmas tree printable, then press in pom pom ornaments, sequins and a paper star. It’s one of the calmest crafts we do all season.
Pine Puffy Paint Recipe
Pine Scented Puffy Paint Craft printable
Get the printableFoaming white shaving cream (not gel)
White school glue
Green food coloring
View on AmazonPine essential oil
View on AmazonGreen glitter (optional)
View on AmazonPaintbrush
View on AmazonYellow construction paper
View on AmazonPom poms
View on AmazonSequins
View on AmazonScissors
View on AmazonSome links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Mix the base
Squirt foaming shaving cream into a bowl and add white school glue. About 1 cup of shaving cream to 1/3 cup of glue is a good start. Add a few drops of green food coloring, a sprinkle of glitter and a drop or two of pine essential oil.
Stir until fluffy
Gently fold everything together until the color is even and it looks like whipped frosting. Too runny? Add more shaving cream. Won’t hold its shape? Add a bit more glue.
How to Make the Puffy Paint Christmas Tree
Cut out the tree and star
Cut out the Christmas tree template and a yellow paper star. Great scissor practice, but feel free to pre-cut for little ones.
Paint the tree
Spread a nice thick layer of green puffy paint inside the tree. Long strokes, little dabs, swirls, whatever keeps those hands busy and relaxed.
Add the star
While the paint is still wet, press the yellow star onto the top of the tree. The paint holds it in place.
Decorate with ornaments
Press pom poms and sequins into the wet paint for ornaments. Then let it dry overnight. By morning it’s firm, still puffy and smells like pine.
⚠️ Not taste safe
Shaving cream, glue and essential oil aren’t safe to eat, and essential oils can irritate skin and eyes. Use just a drop or two, supervise, and wash hands after painting.
More Christmas tree and pine fun
See all →
🎟️ Blog reader deal
Use code PINE at checkout to get the Christmas tree printable free.
What’s included
- Printable pine puffy paint recipe card
- Christmas tree craft template
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Winter and holiday art centers
- Preschool and kindergarten
- Occupational therapy and sensory art
- Small groups and take-home projects
- Homeschool
Pine Puffy Paint FAQ
Most projects dry in 4 to 12 hours. Thick layers are best left overnight. It’s ready when it feels firm and spongy, not sticky.
It’s fluffiest right after mixing. To prep ahead, measure the glue and food coloring, then add the shaving cream and essential oil right before painting.
Cardstock or watercolor paper. Regular printer paper can wrinkle or tear under the wet paint.
Yes, it lingers lightly for several days after the paint dries.
It isn’t taste safe, and essential oils can irritate skin, so it’s best for kids past the mouthing stage, with supervision.
More Christmas Crafts and Sensory Recipes
See all →
From families like yours
Did you try it? Tell us how it went!
We love seeing these activities out in the wild: the lumpy letters, the snack breaks, the proud “I made a B!” moments. Leave a star rating, tell other parents what worked (and what totally didn’t), and add a photo of your setup if you’d like.
No stories yet. Be the first family to share how it went!
