top of page
blue and gold_0003_background.jpg

Painting a Monstrance - Teaching straight line painting and the True Presence of Jesus!

  • Jun 10, 2012
  • 2 min read

Updated: Mar 18

I realize this is a bit late for Corpus Christi, (I’ve been keeping busy.) But it’s not too late to teach kids the awesome mystery of the Most Holy Eucharist!

This is a simple art project to help kids practice painting straight lines. Practice makes perfect and even young kids can learn to paint straight lines, with a little practice! But the best part of this simple art project is that it’s a great reminder that Jesus is truly present in the Host at church during Mass.

You will need:

  • Stock paper or construction paper or canvas paper(color of your choice – We used black and white)

  • paint: – white and yellow on black paper-yellow and red on white paper

  • paintbrush

  • paper plate or cups for holding paint

  • Host printable – Available below (includes printable instructions)

  • glue

  • newspaper to cover the work area

  • brown paint or brown paper for “Cross Version” (optional)


Download Instructions and Host Image here:



First, add a quarter-size “glop” (that’s art talk for large drop) of paint to the middle of your paper. Leave enough room for the rays and area for the monstrance base.

Custom alt text

Now work the paint out in straight lines. Start at the center and go straight out from the center. Do this all the way around. ALWAYS start in the center and go straight out away from the center. This is the straight-line practice.

Custom alt text

My kids made a chant, “Middle, go straight out…Middle, go straight out…Middle, go straight out.” It worked well for them! I held my 5-year-old’s hand and directed her paintbrush the first few strokes. Then she was able to do the painting on her own. Now add a second color to the middle and do the same as the first.

Custom alt text

You might want to do another drop of the first color again and the second color again – depending on how much the children fills in the area.

Add the stem and base to the monstrance. The stem goes straight down and the base goes straight across. The children can make the base curved (if they have the ability). Now have the children cut out a host circle. After the paint is dry the children can add the host circle to the center of the rays!

Custom alt text

Cross Version: You may prefer to simply make the rays and add a cross. Add the cross with brown paint or glue down two strips of brown paper (as pictured).

Custom alt text
Custom alt text

There you have it!

I hope you enjoy!


Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
blue and gold_0003_background.jpg
Update Feb. 23, 2025-- Sadly, due to a tech issue, our blog comments from the last 15 years have disappeared. But feel free to leave new comments! We love hearing from you!

Become a member! 

  1. Get exclusive email updates.

  2. Get 50 loyalty points toward free stuff in our shop.

  3. Save items to your Wishlist.

  4. Access your purchased downloads.

Become a member! 

  1. Get exclusive email updates.

  2. Get 50 loyalty points toward free stuff in our shop.

  3. Save items to your Wishlist.

  4. Access your purchased downloads.

Connect with Us:
  • Etsy
  • Youtube
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
dove with background.png

Catholic Inspired

123 Plum Run Rd

New Oxford, PA 17350

© 2010 - 2025 Catholic Inspired 

bottom of page