It's fairly straightforward: we used watercolor paints and coffee filters. I let the younger toddlers use large paintbrushes and foam craft brushes, and 3-year old J used a smaller paintbrush. Once the coffee filters were dry, I cut them in a spiral pattern, and hung them from the dining room chandelier. Happy Independence Day!
This activity is great for developing the pre-writing muscles in babies/young toddlers by holding the paintbrush. It also provides a great basis for discussion on color mixing for older toddlers and preschoolers. Finally, slightly older preschoolers can also get great cutting practice if you draw a spiral on the coffee filter and have the child cut on the lines. We had a great time creating some festive 4th of July decorations!