Here’s yet another way to use the amazing liquid watercolors…
Flower printing and leaf printing!
We did this yesterday for art group and it was a big hit with everyone from the 1 1/2 year old to the 10 year old — probably would be for the adults too if they were ever given a turn at the art table.
We used blank stamp pads from Discount School Supply (thanks Julie Liddle for the suggestion!) with liquid watercolor “ink” added.
They worked perfectly!
We didn’t get quite the level of detail that we got leaf printing with the regular black ink stamp pads, but they sure are beautiful and a lot easier for little kids to work with.
Here’s how we did it:
Flower Printing with Liquid Watercolors
MATERIALS
- liquid watercolors
- blank stamp pads
(or make your own)
- Watercolor paper or other sturdy paper
INSTRUCTIONS
First we prepped our stamp pads by squirting our liquid watercolor colors of choice on them to soak the pad (I did this ahead of time).
When the kids arrived, we sent them out into the garden to collect flowers and leaves for printing.
Then we reconvened in the art studio and everyone pressed their flowers and leaves to the watercolor stamp pads and then to the watercolor paper that I had set out.
It was lots of fun…
…and the prints turned out really well. They are more impressionistic than scientific and don’t show every little detail of the flowers and leaves. But they’re beautiful and the kids were happy with them.
Another nice thing about these stamp pads is that they are reusable. As the ink dries out, you just squirt on more liquid watercolor.
I also think you could make your own blank stamp pad fairly easily and quickly with a piece of felt (white will show off the color best) set in a dish or recycled styrofoam tray. A few paper towel sheets might work okay as well. Just add the liquid watercolor of your choice (or even try with other paint).
How about you? Do you think your kids would like flower printing?
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These are GREAT. I am going to try this later today with the felt idea — I’ll let you know how it goes. I love the way you are always incorporating nature into the artwork, it is so nice to have the two tied together in a way that is accessible for the kids.
I have never thought of doing this with stamp pads! How fantastic :)
Yes, please let me know how it goes with the make-your-own felt stamp pad! The pads I bought from DSS looked like they were basically a piece of white felt glued to the bottom of a plastic dish.
Beautiful!! Now I just wish you had a photo of their little rainbow fingers when they were all done : )
So nice! I’ve had great success using these with veggies and fruits of all kinds, but never tried flowers. Something new to try for sure! Thanks for the mention : )
Beautiful! I am so glad you did this post. I have been eying those liquid watercolors for sometime. I think you just sold me! I love the colors and how vibrant they are. These would make beautiful cards. Love all that you do with your kids! Thanks :-)
Yeah. That would’ve been cute.
We’ll have to try them with fruits and veggies next!
Beautiful project and thanks for the tip on the blank stamp pads. Great idea.
I love it. My daughter loves to be creative. We have found something else to add to the scrap books.
I really enjoy your blog, the projects and tips are great. I luv crafting and creating with my kids and to find new ways to spend our time together is ever so priceless. Thanks.
Thank you!
These are so beautiful! These would make great gifts for grandparents and excellent wrapping paper! Thanks again for a great idea!
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