This low prep, low cost art project is sure to become a favorite of your preschool or elementary child (and you!). All you need for
this educational activity is paper rolls,
scissors, paint, and paper.
Your young child can create the most magical print of a firework display with the simplest of materials. We are talking recycled paper rolls, scissors, paint, and paper. How low-prep and low-cost can a project be?
Printmaking activities (like this one) develop literacy as children use artistic elements to represent objects, stories, or ideas. It encourages neural connections as children process their real world experiences and explore their senses through the artistic process. Additionally, it provides a tangible way to explore the concepts of pressure and cause-and-effect. Children can wonder what happens when they press down the paper roll harder and softer – and then see the result of their actions!
Here’s how we did this low-prep, low-cost art project.
Supplies:
- Toilet paper or paper towel cardboard rolls
- Scissors
- Washable paint (I recommend using 2-3 colors)
- Plate or plastic lid
- Paper to print onto (I recommend using black or blue construction paper)
Directions:
- Collect paper rolls from around the house.
- Use your scissors to make multiple 1″ cuts along the top of your paper rolls.
- Use your fingers to gently fold back the cut strips of your paper rolls to create a “firework” shape.
- Squeeze washable paint onto a plate or plastic lid.
- Dip your paper roll into the paint and then stamp it onto the paper.
- Use the fireworks created by the roll to create a picture.
The use of recycled materials in this project teaches children social responsibility and conservation. It also teaches creative thinking skills
For other printmaking projects that uses cardboard and model conservation, check out this blog post on Cardboard Line Prints.
Wanting more recycled art projects? Check out this Recycled Art center lesson pack. These projects can be done “station style” or work well as stand-alone art projects.
Happy creating!
