In this easy printmaking activity, kids will use a dull pencil to draw designs onto a piece of styrofoam, color the surface with washable markers, and then transfer the image onto a damp piece of paper. As the Styrofoam presses into the paper, the drawing appears like magic! Young artists can explore shapes, patterns, letters, and pictures while building fine motor skills and creativity. This project is a fun introduction to printmaking and shows how using recycled materials can be used to create multiple unique prints to share and display.
Instructions
Materials
- A clean, flat piece of Styrofoam (cut to fit your paper)
- A dull pencil
- Washable markers
- White paper
- A spray bottle with water
- Paper towels or a covered workspace
Directions
- Cut Styrofoam and paper to size.
Cut the Styrofoam so it is flat and fits on your paper. If needed, trim the paper to the size you want to use.
- Make the paper damp.
Lay your paper on a flat surface. Lightly spray it with water. The paper should be damp, not dripping wet. Set aside.
- Draw your design.
Use a dull pencil to draw on the Styrofoam. Press hard enough to make lines in the foam. Draw a picture, shapes, or a pattern. Do not use letters or words because they will print backward. If you do want letters, write them backwards and reverse.
- Color the Styrofoam.
Use washable markers to color your design. You can use one color or many colors. Any lines that you draw will appear white on your print.
- Make your print.
Turn the colored side of the Styrofoam face down onto the damp paper. Press gently with your hands. Do not slide it around. You can use your marker as a roller to press the Styrofoam onto the paper.
- Lift and dry.
Carefully lift the Styrofoam off the paper. You will see your print! Let the paper dry flat. As it dries, the colors will look brighter.
You can re-color and print again or make more prints with different colors and designs!
A huge thank you to our friends at the Illinois Art Station for sponsoring this week's incredibly fun DIY art-making feature! Thanks to their creative expertise, transforming everyday household materials into vibrant, unique masterpieces has never been easier. We are so grateful for their continued dedication to bringing accessible, hands-on art education straight to our community's homes.
Want more hands-on creative fun? Be sure to visit their website for more information about upcoming workshops, camps, and free art-making opportunities!
