Recycled Art Print Fun

Want to continue experimenting with printmaking? Search your cupboards for the following possibilities and claim them for your next art session:

• Bubble wrap: Tape a piece of bubble wrap—big bubbles or small—to your work surface, puffy side up. Paint a design on the bubble wrap and then press paper onto the painted surface to lift a print. Alternatively, create a "glove" of bubble wrap by folding a 6" x 12" rectangle of bubble wrap in half, bubble side out, and tape all but one side closed. Dip the glove into paint, then press onto your paper.
• Rice prints: Fill a tray with dry rice. Mix 2 cups water and 1 cup tempera paint in a spray bottle. Squirt rice until it is completely covered. Press paper onto rice, rubbing hands over it to make certain that the paper comes into contact with the painted rice, then lift it off. Some rice may stick to the paper; once dry, gently rub rice off paper.
• Corrugated cardboard: Carefully peel a piece of corrugated cardboard to reveal the ridges. Use a sponge or sponge brush to paint the ribs, avoiding the valleys. Press a piece of paper onto the painted cardboard, smoothing it with your hands to insure contact with paint before lifting it off.
• String: Dip various types of string into paint. Lay string onto newspaper in an abstract design. Gently set paper onto string then press down to transfer your design to the paper.
• Finger painting: Instead of paper, have your kids finger paint on a tabletop or smooth tray. Once the picture is perfect, place a piece of paper onto the picture and rub the entire surface with the palm of your hand or a rolling pin. Carefully remove paper. Remember, letters and numbers will print in reverse.
• Nappy or textured fabrics: Use a brush or spray bottle to paint on upholstery scraps, burlap, lace, or carpet remnants. Press paper onto painted fabrics to lift a print.
• Egg cartons: Tape assorted egg cartons to a table, bottoms up. Paint as desired, then press paper to painted area.