Making prints is a simple way to learn about reversing images and a fun way to liven up painting for the very young. A variety of materials work well, but bubble wrap is a lovely, no-fail way to begin. We used bubble wrap with small bubbles (it’s what we had on hand) but bubble wrap with larger bubbles works well also, and a combination of the two would be fun to experiment with!

Materials:

• Bubble wrap
• Thick multicolored tempera or poster paint
• Brushes
• White paper to print on

Process:

1. Paint a design onto the bubble wrap or textured paper. Try not to get too much paint on or you’ll lose the raised design and get a lot of paint down in the cracks–also interesting, but you lose some of the ‘print’ concept.
2. Place the paper on top of the painted surface and press down firmly with your hands or a brayer or by rolling a wooden dowel. Peel paper off.
3. Peel the paper back to reveal the print!

Amanda spends her time driving two of her kids to school and putting the other one down for a nap. She shares some of her family’s crafty endeavors at Kiddio.