printmaking

String Painting Snake Art

August 5, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This string painting snake art is perfect for a reptile theme. In addition to enhancing the topic of snakes, it offers children a novel way to paint.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

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Gather the following supplies for this simple string painting activity:

sturdy paper
tempera paint
small disposable plates
yarn
scissors
clothespins
spoons
waterproof table cover

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Preparing The String Painting Snake Art Activity

To set up this novel string art activity, cover a table with a waterproof table cover.

Then spoon tempera paint into small disposable plates.

Next, cut the yarn into lengths about 6 to 8 inches long.

Afterward, attach a clothespin to the end of each strip of yarn.

Set the paint dishes, prepared string, and sturdy pieces of paper onto the art table and the activity is ready to go.

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The String Painting Snake Art Project

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To create snake-like painted shapes, lay a string on a paint-filled plate, draping the clothespin attached end over the edge.

Use a spoon to press down on the string to ensure it is covered in paint.

Next, carefully lift off the string and lay it on the paper in a snake-like, serpentine pattern.

Then gently put the string back in the same color of paint.

Repeat the process with more paint colors to create snakes in additional hues.

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Variations of the String Art Project

After participants have completed a snake art project, invite them to explore more string painting techniques:

Dragging the string across the paper covers it more quickly, and allows for paint mixing.
Using fingers to manipulate the string instead of clothespins adds a tactile experience.
Experimenting with thick and thin string, and longer and shorter pieces creates different effects.
Spooning paint on the paper first, and dragging the string through it is another way to paint.

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Northern Lights Squish Painting

Balloon Painting Flower Art

Apple Print Activities

Corn Syrup Paint Sunflowers

Painting With Chocolate

Eye Dropper Pumpkin Art

Painting with Corn

Cauliflower Paint Prints

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More Reptile-themed Activities

Reptile Theme Activities

Reptile Egg Science

Reptile Active World Tray

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[Read more…]

Balloon Painting Flower Art

July 28, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This balloon painting flower art is quick and easy to do and can make a room look cozier in no time. It is an unexpected, novel way to create art. Since children love activities with balloons, they’ll surely enjoy participating in this art invitation.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this large-scale art project:

round balloons
tempera paints in a variety of colors
paper plates
18-inch x 24-inch sturdy paper
paintbrushes and paint pots
sponge dish wands
thin metallic garland
white glue and glue paddle
scissors
waterproof table cover

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Balloon Painting Flower Art Set Up

To set up this art project, start by covering an art table with a waterproof table cover.

Next, blow up round balloons to about 1/3 their usual size. Small balloons work fine for this project.

Then pour tempera paint in a variety of colors onto paper plates.

Afterward, drop paint into small plates or paint pot lids and add a sponge dish wand into each one.

Set out the paint trays, balloons, dish wands, and large sheets of sturdy paper on the art table. Your painting invitation is now ready to go.

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The Balloon Painting Flower Art Project

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To create eye-catching balloon art flowers, press a balloon into one of the paint colors, lift it off, and carefully press it down onto a piece of sturdy paper.

Tip: The firmer a paint-dipped balloon is pressed on paper, the bigger the print. Pressing the balloon down gently creates a smaller print.

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Continue to make balloon prints. It’s fun to create flowers in hues of blue and green in addition to more commonly seen colors.

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Afterward, dip a sponge dish wand into a contrasting paint color and stamp a circle in the center of each flower-shaped print.

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When the roundish prints are dry, cut them out.

Then dip a paintbrush into a pot of green tempera and paint leaves and stems on a large sheet of cardstock paper.

For a shimmery look, add a line of white glue to each leaf and press on a strip of thin metallic garland.

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Next, glue the round, bold, balloon-painted flowers on top of the stems using white glue or a glue gun.

To embellish the flower centers, add a circle of glue to each one and affix a strip of thin metallic garland to each of them.

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You will have large-scale, stunning flower art ready for display.

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Tulip Art Painting Project

Dish Wand Print Flower Art

Flower Theme Activities

Mother’s Day Crafts and Gifts

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[Read more…]

Dish Wand Print Flower Art

May 5, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This dish wand print flower art project is so easy to do. Grab some round sponge dish wands at a dollar store and a few basic art supplies and you are good to go.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following for this dish wand print flower art activity:

round sponge dish wands
tempera paint in a variety of colors
fade-resistant cardstock or construction paper
paint dishes
markers
table cover

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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The Dish Wand Print Flower Art Project

To begin this pretty flower art project, pour tempera paint on paint dishes in colors of your choice. Add a little bit of white or yellow paint to your hues to lighten and brighten them if desired.

Next, place a round sponge dish wand in each paint-filled dish.

Then set out 9-inch x 12-inch sheets of construction paper by the paint trays. 8 1/2 x 11-inch cardstock paper works fine too.

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Invite participants to make flower prints with the sponge dish wands by dipping them in a color of paint and pressing them on the art paper.

After the dish wand flower prints dry, ask children to use markers to draw a stem below each sponged flower.

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Two different paint colors for each flower look nice. In the art piece above the two-toned flower prints are created by using yellow paint first. Afterward, each flower gets an additional color with a wand dipped in orange paint.

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Swirling a little magenta and purple paint into white paint before using a dish wand is another way to create two-toned flower art.

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Finishing Touches

Enhance this dish wand print flower art project by adding a saying or including paper embellishments.

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Add a “Happy Mother’s Day” greeting for a beautiful Mother’s Day keepsake craft.

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Glue on a few paper-punched butterflies in a complementary hue for an elegant look.

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More Activities With Flowers

Contact Paper Flower Art

Petunia Flower Sensory Tray

Flower Stand Dramatic Play Center

Lilac Flower Sensory Tray

Flower Planting Sensory Tray

Flower Theme Activities

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[Read more…]

Giant Snowflake Printmaking

January 26, 2024 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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This giant snowflake printmaking project gives children a chance to paint on a different canvas and practice a printmaking technique in an ombre color scheme. A large, slatted wooden snowflake is the inspiration and unique find for this printmaking activity.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Snowflake Printmaking Craft Supplies

For this gigantic snowflake printmaking activity, gather the following supplies:

large slatted wooden snowflake
turquoise, red, blue, and white tempera paints
paint pots and paintbrushes
spoons
large sheets of paper

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The Giant Snowflake Printmaking Process

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To do this snowflake printmaking activity, select a large, wooden snowflake for the canvas. This oversized snowflake with four wooden slats works perfectly for an ombre painting activity.

Next, choose tempera paint colors. In this ombre design, the chosen colors are shades of blue, pink, and turquoise.

Then stir white paint into the red, blue, and turquoise temperas to create hues to your liking. Varying amounts of white mixed with blue tempera paint make the light and medium blue hues. White added to red makes a pastel pink shade. And white added to turquoise makes the lighter hue.

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Afterward, set out the paints in pots and add a paintbrush to each one.

Paint each slat a different paint color. Apply the colors generously, and make sure to give the outside edges an extra good coat.

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Finally, carefully flip the wooden snowflake over onto an 11-inch x 14-inch piece of sturdy art paper, or an 11-inch x 17-inch piece of copy paper. Press firmly on all parts of the unpainted side of the snowflake, and then lift it off carefully.

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Tip: You may want to make two prints for your first try with this painting technique. The tempera paint will transfer over better on the second try.

When the paint print snowflake is dry, trim the top and bottom edges of the paper. Or cut the colorful snowflake out.

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The wooden snowflake canvas can be used over and over if you are introducing this printmaking activity to a group of children.

Large printed snowflakes positioned at different angles display beautifully together.

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Helping Little Learners Experience The Printmaking Process

Little learners will need help when performing this giant snowflake printmaking activity in the following ways:

painting each slat the appropriate color
applying paint to all areas of the wooden canvas
flipping the snowflake over to make a print on paper

In this activity, they can label and match colors, learn about an ombre color scheme, and practice a printmaking art activity.

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Variations Of This Giant Snowflake Printmaking Activity

To follow up this art experience, invite participants to paint the snowflake canvas any way they would like to allow for individual creativity.

A second idea is to offer wooden snowflakes in a smaller size. This gives little learners a chance to make snowflake prints independently.

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More Winter Activities

Winter Playdough Recipe

Spray Paint Snowflake Silhouette

Blue Candy Cane Science Experiment

Winter-themed Treasure Blocks

Igloo Camping Pretend Play

Polar Bear Small World

Winter Sensory Trays

Painting Ice and Snow

Winter Wreath Paper Plate Craft

Ice Drum Musical Instruments

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[Read more…]

Zucchini Leaf Paint Prints

September 2, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Fall is a popular time to do art activities with leaves. Aside from picking tree leaves to work with, don’t overlook garden plants as interesting subjects for leaf art projects. For instance, the zucchini plant is one with large, curvy leaves that beg to be used in painting or drawing projects. In this post, the garden plant is featured in a stunning zucchini leaf paint prints art activity.

Zucchini ready to be harvested in mid summer.

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Zucchini is a green summer squash with large yellow star-shaped flowers and silver-speckled leaves. All parts of the zucchini plant can be eaten, and it is a common food in many cultures.

A gorgeous star-shaped flower on a zucchini plant.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for zucchini leaf print art:

zucchini leaves
tempera paint in fall colors
paintbrush
paper towel sheets
garden or disposable gloves
11 x 14-inch sturdy art paper
waterproof tablecloth or large sheet of manilla paper

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Making The Zucchini Leaf Paint Prints

As this is a painting activity, first lay down a waterproof tablecloth. A large sheet of manilla paper also works fine.

Next, fill paint pots with red, green, yellow, and orange tempera paint.

A large, silver-speckled zucchini leaf ready to paint for a leaf printmaking activity.

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Then set up a station with a zucchini leaf, a paintbrush, and a paper towel sheet. Add pots filled with red, yellow, green, and orange paint.

Put on gloves and paint the leaf, dabbing excess paint onto a paper towel sheet between colors.

A zucchini leaf is a good subject for a printmaking activity. The painted leaf makes a beautiful paint print.

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When the leaf is covered in paint, carefully flip it over on a large sheet of all-purpose art paper, gently pressing all parts of the leaf down.

A leaf print in fall colors made with a large zucchini leaf and tempera paint. An all-ages art activity everyone will enjoy.

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If the leaf is covered with a lot of paint, a second print can be made with it. The print has a little less paint but looks equally beautiful.

How to make a leaf print in fall colors with a large zucchini leaf and tempera paint. An all-ages art activity everyone will enjoy.

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Note: The stem and back of the zucchini leaf are a little prickly, so wearing a pair of garden or disposable gloves is advisable.

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Zucchini Leaf Tracing

Zucchini leaves have interesting curves and edges and also make good subjects for tracing. Before painting the zucchini leaf, trace around it and then color it in with crayons or pencil crayons. Or use the zucchini leaf template below to paint or color.

A free zucchini leaf template for art and craft activities.

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Zucchini Leaf PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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Zucchini Leaf Transient Art

Once the printmaking activity is done, the painted leaf can be displayed for a few days or even a couple of weeks. Although the leaf isn’t flat at the start, it becomes very flat afterward, making it easy to work with in a wall display.

Or you can just paint the leaf as a transient art project without using it for printmaking

A painted zucchini leaf used in printmaking can be displayed for a few days or weeks as transient art.

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Pumpkin Leaf Transient Art

A pumpkin leaf also makes a great canvas, as it is large and uniquely shaped. As a transient art activity, set out a pumpkin leaf for a painting activity. You may want to tape the back of the leaf down to make it a little flatter before using it as a canvas.

A large pumpkin leaf on a vine can be picked and used in a transient art painting activity.

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Paint a large pumpkin leaf canvas with fall-colored tempera paints for a beautiful transient art project.

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Maple Leaf Activities

Spin Painting Maple Leaf Art

Horse Chestnut Leaf Art Activities

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[Read more…]

Shamrock Leaf Print Art

March 12, 2023 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Shamrock leaf print art is an activity I’ve wanted to try for a few years now, and this spring I carved out time for it. The art project is easy and enjoyable to do, and I am sure you will like it too.

A good time to try this leaf print art activity is around St. Patrick’s Day, as shamrock plants are plentiful in stores then. The compound leaves on the plant look like the shamrock symbol that the country of Ireland is known for. Irish people think shamrocks represent good luck, and they are prominent in clothing, decorations, and tableware during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

An Oxalis Regnelli shamrock plant with compound leaves composed of three triangular leaflets.

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The shamrock plant I found is called Oxalis Regnellii, which comes from Africa and some parts of the Americas. It has delicate leaves with three triangle-shaped leaflets. The leaves fold up neatly on overcast days and anytime it is dark, and open up when they are exposed to sunlight. The tiny, white, long-stemmed flowers have five petals.

A tiny white flower on an Oxalis Regnellii plant.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Supplies To Collect

Gather the following supplies for this nature-based art project:

shamrock plant
green and purple acrylic or tempera paint
paint pots
paintbrushes
purple and green pencil crayons
all-purpose art paper
green and purple construction paper
newspaper or manila paper
magnifying glasses

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Making The Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Before using the shamrock leaves for printmaking, give participants a chance to study the plant. Offer magnifying glasses to view the leaves and dainty flowers with yellow stamens. Set the plant out in a sunny place and then put it in a dark area to see how its leaves fold down and spread out depending on how much sunlight the plant is getting.

To prepare the art activity, snip a few leaves off the plant to use for making paint prints.

Steps to make beautiful shamrock leaf print art. This is an easy-to-do all-ages nature art project

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Next, lay down newspaper sheets or a large piece of manilla paper for participants to work on.

Then add an art station with a sheet of all-purpose art paper, leaf sprig, paintbrush, and green acrylic paint for each participant. My paper size is an 11-inch x 14-inch inch sheet cut in half, creating a 7-inch x 11-inch piece to work on.

Note: Non-toxic tempera paint is a good choice for young children taking part in the activity.

Afterward, invite participants to brush the tops of the leaflets on their sprig thoroughly with green paint, flip the leaf over, and carefully press the painted sides down on the paper. Have them gently rub their fingers over the leaflets and pat the edges down to transfer as much paint to the paper as possible.

Beautiful shamrock leaf print art with leaves from the Oxalis Regnelli plant. This is a nature art project that is perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

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Then ask everyone to slowly lift their leaf off the paper canvas and repaint it to make more leaf prints. The shamrock leaves are delicate, but when handled gently they can be used a few times. If someone’s leaf tears, offer a new sprig to use.

When the paint prints are dry, ask participants to use a pencil crayon to add stems to the leaves.

As a finishing touch, mount each shamrock leaf print art project on a similar-colored construction paper background.

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Making Purple Shamrock Leaf Print Art

A purple shamrock, called Oxalis Triangularis, has similarly shaped leaves and flowers as the Oxalis Regnallii. This purple shamrock showcases deep purple, dark-edged leaves that respond to darkness and light in the same way.

A purple shamrock plant with compound leaves composed of three triangular leaflets.

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With purple acrylic or tempera paint, let participants create shamrock prints just as they were made in green.

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If there are any leaves left on the plant after the printmaking activity is done, add them to a playdough activity. Or have someone without pets take the plant home to care for.

Note: All Oxalis plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and grazing animals such as horses and must be kept out of their reach. These plants are slightly toxic to humans. Make sure to supervise all shamrock leaf activities closely so that no one ingests the leaves.

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More Shamrock-themed Activities:

Shamrock Paper Plate Lion

Shamrock Dissolving Candy Experiment

St. Patrick’s Day Painted Shamrock

Shamrock Rolling Pin Art

Scissor Skill Shamrock Collage

[Read more…]

Gadget Printmaking Poppy Art

November 10, 2022 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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It started with a large dot print made with a pie pan, tempera paint, and a paintbrush. The intent was to make a simple red poppy print with a black round center. But afterward, I decided to add paint markings with gadgets to add more color and definition. The result is super striking gadget printmaking poppy art that’s easy and fun to do.

This poppy art is perfect for a Remembrance Day project. Red poppies are a symbol of lives lost to war since World War I. They especially serve as reminders of this each year on November 11, the Remembrance Day holiday in our country.

How to make stunning gadget printmaking poppy art.

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Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

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Poppy Art Supplies

Gadgets used as painting tools make interesting prints, and you can find them all over your home. Here are the gadgets I use for this large-scale art activity:

9-inch round cake or pie pan
Jumbo circular bubble wand and tray
ground meat chopper
spools
bottle sponge brush
round sponge brush

A few simple supplies complete the list of items needed to make poppy art:

tempera paint colors in bright red, yellow, green, pink, and orange
12-inch x 16-inch sturdy white paper
green construction paper
green marker
ruler
scissors
glue stick
flat plate or tray

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Gadget Printmaking Poppy Art Steps

Simple steps to create beautiful poppy art with a gadget printmaking technique. The art project introduces participants to a new and unusual way to paint.

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First, lay out a large sheet of sturdy paper on a table.

Next, pour red paint on a tray or flat plate. Dip the bottom of a round cake or pie pan in the paint, and press it down on the paper background to make the flower head.

Then dip a bubble wand into orange paint and press it in the middle of the dot. The bubble wand tray holds the paint perfectly for this step.

Afterward, press a sponge bottle brush into the green paint, and make a print in the center.

Then dip a spool into black paint, and press it into the very center of the flower.

Bubble wand, sponge bottle brush, and spool paint prints add color and definition to this gadget printmaking poppy art project.

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Next, draw on a stem with a green marker. If desired, use a ruler to keep the stem line straight.

Finally, cut a simple leaf from green fadeless construction paper, and glue it onto the stem.

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Poppy Art Color Variations

The gadgets and paint colors used for enhancing the red poppies can be varied. In this art project, a bubble wand, bottle brush, and two spools are the gadgets used.

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A ground meat chopper paint print adds detail to the flower center below.

A bubble wand and ground meat chopper paint print add color and definition to this gadget printmaking poppy art project.

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Remembrance Day Poppy Art

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This next project employs the bubble wand tray for the large dot print. The tray is not as big as the cake or pie pan, so can be used with a smaller-sized paper base. And it has a scalloped edge, adding character to the poppy dot. This design is my pick for the official Remembrance Day art project for this year.

For the flower center, dip a round sponge brush or small round sponge into black paint, and press it in the middle of the red dot print. Then press a sponge bottle brush into yellow paint, and make a print on top of the black circle. Finish off with a black spool print in the center of the flower.

Tip: Letting the red and black paint dry for a few hours helps the yellow sponge bottle print stand out and remain bright.

Create this beautiful Remembrance Day poppy art with a gadget printmaking technique. The art project introduces participants to a new and unusual way to paint.

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More Gadget Printmaking Poppy Art Ideas

Instead of using only red for the large flower petal dot, introduce a few more color choices, such as yellow and orange. The colors will blend in nicely to make red-orange hues, adding shading and texture.

And since poppies come in a variety of colors, you could choose an entirely new color scheme for this project.

Bubble wand, sponge, meat chopper, bottle brush, and spool prints add highlights and detail to the poppy flower art. And the gadget painting technique introduces participants to a new and unusual way to do painting and printmaking.

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More Remembrance Day Art Projects

Remembrance Day Butterfly Craft

Remembrance Day Poppy Art

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[Read more…]

Apple Print Activities

October 16, 2021 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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Apples are so plentiful in fall and come in many sizes and colors. Besides enjoying the crunchy, juicy fruits in pies, squares, and drinks, set aside some for apple print activities.

To start off, show early learners a selection of apples in contrasting colors. A green Granny Smith, a yellow golden delicious, and a red royal gala apple make good fruits to set out and discuss. They are also easy to find in stores.

Little learners would be excited to taste the apples. Cut some into chunks and invite children to taste apples in all three colors.

Follow me on Pinterest for more early learning ideas.

Pick an inexpensive apple to use for the craft. I picked a smaller-sized apple on sale at a local produce store. Cut some apples in half from top to bottom, and slice others horizontally. Have early learners notice the seeds, and count them. Highlight the star shape in the horizontally cut apples.

Then invite children to use the apples for printmaking.

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Supplies To Collect

green, red, and yellow tempera paints
12-inch x 18-inch sturdy art paper
small plates or trays
paintbrushes
apple halves

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Making Apple Prints

Pour a little red, green, and yellow paint in small flat dessert dishes or disposable plates. Add a little yellow to the green paint to lighten and brighten the color.

Allow little ones to dip apples into the paints, and make prints on the paper.

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Another way to do this activity is to have early learners paint the apple halves instead, and then press them on the paper. It is easier to control the amount of paint on the apples this way.

Apple printmaking with green, red, and yellow tempera paints.

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Tip: After each painting experience, apple pieces can be rinsed and used again by another child.

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More Apple Print Activities

Apples often come in two different colors, like red and green, or yellow and red. To extend the painting experience, invite children to paint each apple half in a different color, and make prints with them.

Add some fun by making apple prints in two different colors.

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Thin the paints. Invite little learners to make prints on sections of paper towel roll. The absorbency and texture of the towels give the prints a unique look.

Make two-colored apple prints on absorbant paper towel.

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Instead of using apple halves, set out apple slices for the children to use. They work well too!

Printmaking using apple slices on a section of absorbant paper towel.

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After the paintings are dry, cut out a few prints to use in fingerplays and counting activities.

Cut apple paint prints used in fingerplays and counting activities.

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And the apple prints would make great additions to an apple tree or a wreath craft.

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[Read more…]

New Year’s Countdown Activities

December 30, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

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These New Year’s countdown activities give practice in number recognition and counting down from 10 to 1. And how fun is it for early learners to print fireworks with fringed toilet paper rolls!

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Printmaking Fireworks

Supplies needed:

Happy New Year printable (downloadable below)
scissors
toilet paper rolls
magenta, yellow, and light blue tempera paint
small plates or container lids
paintbrushes

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Happy New Year Printable

New Year's Countdown template to use for art and math activities with young children. Invitation to add paint print fireworks, count down from 10 t0 1 and match numbers.

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Download this “Happy New Year” printable for the fireworks art activity. It can be printed on 8 1/2 inch x 11-inch paper, or 11-inch by 17-inch paper.

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Happy New Year PrintableDownload

This printable is for individual or one classroom use only.

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The Printmaking Invitation

Do the following steps to paint print fireworks:

Cut fringes into one end of three toilet paper rolls.

Bend the fringes on each paper roll outward.

Pour magenta, yellow, and light blue paint into small plates or lids.

Set out the paints, paper rolls, and paper on a table.

Ask your little learner to dip the fringed end of each paper roll into a color of paint and make a firework print on the paper.

Encourage your little one to add more prints in each paint color to the page.

Invitation to paint fireworks with fringed toilet paper rolls.

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Tip: Try this on a practice sheet first.

For added control, fringed ends can be painted with a brush instead of being dipped in paint.

New Year's fireworks printmaking with fringed toilet paper rolls.

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Fireworks paint prints made with fringed toilet paper rolls.

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To incorporate number recognition and matching practice, ask your early learner to cover the numbers 10 to 1 with numeric stickers.

Number matching on a New Year's countdown printable.

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Dot Marker New Year’s Countdown

Another way to use the New Year’s Countdown printable is to let your little learner decorate it with paper stars. Then ask your little one to count down the numbers from ten to one, dabbing each numeral with a dot marker as it is spoken.

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Dot marker New Year's countdown activity.

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These New Year’s countdown activities will be sure to help your early learner start the new year off on a positive note. Let the counting begin!

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New Year's countdown printmaking and number matching printable.

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More New Year’s Activities

New Year’s Eve Sensory Tray

New Year’s All Gold Sensory Activity

New Year’s Crafts

New Year’s Sensory Tray

New Year’s Art and Math Activities

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[Read more…]

Maple Leaf Activities

November 1, 2020 by Annette Kaminsky Leave a Comment

Maple leaf paint print activities. Art, math, and display ideas for maple leaves.

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Maple trees flourish in eastern Canada and turn vibrant colors in autumn. But I happily settled for these deep green maple leaves from a tree that can survive our harsh Alberta winters. When painted, they produce striking leaf prints. The prints look stunning displayed but can also be used for other maple leaf activities.

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Maple Leaf Activities

Leaf Prints

Early learners can join in making maple leaf prints. Set out orange, yellow, and red tempera paints, paintbrushes, and large pieces of sturdy paper. Invite your little learners to paint the leaves, turn them over, and press them onto the paper. Encourage them to gently rub all over each leaf before removing them.

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Glitter can be sprinkled on the leaf prints to add a dose of glam before they dry.

Glitter added to tempera paint maple leaf prints.

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Painting the back of a leaf, and pressing it on paper clearly reveals the midrib and veins.

Maple leaf paint print with red tempera paint.

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Unexpected colors of paint, such as black or blue can be offered.

Maple leaf paint prints with blue tempera paint.

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Maple leaf paint print with black tempera paint.

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After the leaf prints dry, cut some out for other activities.

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Maple Leaf Person

Have your little learners bring a leaf to life by adding wiggly eyes and a permanent felt pen smile.

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Canadian Flag Art

The maple leaf is part of our Canadian flag, so it’s extra special to me.

Your early learners can help make a leaf print Canadian flag. Select a big red leaf to glue onto the center of a large, rectangular piece of paper. Have children take turns adding smaller, red leaves on each side to complete the flag.

Canadian flag art made with maple leaf paint prints.

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Maple Leaf Math

Select different sized crafted leaves for your early learners to order from smallest to largest.

Leaf size ordering with different sized maple leaf paint prints.

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Use some leaves for counting fingerplays.

Counting leaves with maple leaf paint prints.

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Leaf Art Displays

Mount cut leaves onto a white piece of paper with double-sided tape. Add a paper background in a contrasting color. Display the art on a shelf or wall.

Displayed maple leaf paint print art. Cut prints are attached to a paper background with double-sided tape.

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Hang trimmed maple leaves from a twig tree, or a decorative branch hung on a wall.

Leaf display on a twig made with maple leaf paint prints.

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Do you have a favorite tree to introduce early learning activities with? Share in the comments section below.

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[Read more…]

printmaking

Supplies To Collect

Preparing The String Painting Snake Art Activity

The String Painting Snake Art Project

Related:

More Reptile-themed Activities

Supplies To Collect

Balloon Painting Flower Art Set Up

The Balloon Painting Flower Art Project

Related:

Supplies To Collect

The Dish Wand Print Flower Art Project

Finishing Touches

More Activities With Flowers

Snowflake Printmaking Craft Supplies

The Giant Snowflake Printmaking Process

Helping Little Learners Experience The Printmaking Process

Variations Of This Giant Snowflake Printmaking Activity

More Winter Activities

Supplies To Collect

Making The Zucchini Leaf Paint Prints

Zucchini Leaf Tracing

Zucchini Leaf Transient Art

Pumpkin Leaf Transient Art

Related:

Supplies To Collect

Making The Shamrock Leaf Print Art

Making Purple Shamrock Leaf Print Art

More Shamrock-themed Activities:

Poppy Art Supplies

Gadget Printmaking Poppy Art Steps

Poppy Art Color Variations

Remembrance Day Poppy Art

More Gadget Printmaking Poppy Art Ideas

More Remembrance Day Art Projects

Supplies To Collect

Making Apple Prints

More Apple Print Activities

Printmaking Fireworks

Dot Marker New Year’s Countdown

More New Year’s Activities

Maple Leaf Activities

Leaf Prints

Maple Leaf Person

Canadian Flag Art

Maple Leaf Math

Leaf Art Displays