Print With Everyday Items

Why

Household objects are perfect to create colorful prints on a rainy day, or any day just for fun. Rummage around and see what interesting items you can find.


Steps

1. Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Use a piece of construction paper or a recycled board as a base. If you use a board, paint it first with Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint and Brushes. Dry.

2. With adult permission, select a variety of objects that can either be recycled or washed after being used with tempera paint, such as thread spools, foam produce trays, or a bath puff.

3. Fold a paper towel into quarters, and place it on the bottom of a recycled foam produce tray. Pour a small amount of paint onto the paper towel.

4. Press an object into the paint. You only need enough paint to coat the object, not so much it drips off.

5. Press the object onto the painted board or colored paper. Use even pressure to ensure a good print. Make a visually pleasing arrangement of prints on the colored surface.

6. When the paint has dried, use Crayola Glitter Glue to decorate the final print.

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.

Related Crafts

Crafts

 

Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Paint Brushes
  • Washable Kid's Paint
  • Glitter Glue
  • Construction Paper
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • paper towels
  • recycled foam produce trays
  • recycled board (optional)
  • container(s) of water
  • household items (various)

Where & When

"The girls made prints of thimbles and thread spools for their grandmother. She immediately hung up her new artwork."
Corinne H., mom of 6- and 9-year-olds.

"We were cleaning drawers, and made a wonderful print-collage with the items we decided to throw away."
Lloyd J., big brother of 10-year-old.


Interesting Info

A print is a design put on paper (imprinted) using a block, usually made of stone, wood, or metal. Ink is placed on its surface and then pressed to the paper. Rubber stamps are an example of contemporary printmaking.