Do you have styrofoam and markers? Looking for an easy and affordable way to create a “wow” art experience for the kids? Have you tried styrofoam and marker printmaking? We love doing printing activities together and ever since I saw Shelly's IG post sharing how to make prints without printing ink, I was excited to try the activity with my kids too.
Here’s how we made prints with everyday items around the house.
How to Make Styrofoam and Marker Prints with Kids at Home
Materials Needed:
- Styrofoam (From fruit/veggies or meat- You could also just ask your grocer for clean ones)
- Pencil
- Markers
- Scissors
- Paper
- Paper Towel
- Plate
- Water
- Plate
How to Do Styrofoam and Marker Printmaking with Kids
1. Wash and dry your styrofoam. Cut it into smaller sizes.
2. Use a pencil and draw a design onto your styrofoam.
- If you want, you can practice drawing your design on a sheet of paper or a scrap piece of styrofoam first.
- Remember to drag the pencil instead of poking it. Otherwise, you will break through the styrofoam and ruin your printing plate.
3. Grab a paper towel and make it damp. Place it on a plate.
4. Use markers and color your styrofoam design.
5. Cut out sheets of paper that are larger than your styrofoam plate.
6. Take your sheet of paper and place it on top of your paper towel to wet it.
- Your paper needs to be slightly wet in order for the styrofoam to print. Otherwise, your colors will not be very bright.
- Want to add a bit of science into the mix? Try printing your styrofoam on a piece of dry paper and compare the results.
- Tip: Instead of a paper towel, you could also spritz the paper with water. Or use a damp sponge to wet your paper instead.
7. It’s time to stamp! You can either place the styrofoam piece on top of the wet paper and push down hard. Or, you can lay the wet paper on top of your styrofoam piece and gently rub. See which method works best for you.
Now you should have some fun prints! Remember, just like real printmaking, each print is unique. There will be splotchy bits and bright bits. Figure out how to get the design you want. And have fun!
More Printing Activities:
- Easter Egg Styrofoam Prints
- Flower Printing
- Potato Stamping
- Foam Initial Printing
- Vegetable and Fruit Printing
- Lego Printing
Happy creating and connecting, friends!
