Printmaking: Super Easy Styrofoam Technique!

Learn how to do this fun styrofoam printmaking project with kids. You can do this project with styrofoam trays from the grocery store (free) or with styrofoam sheets from the craft store (inexpensive). For more printmaking fun, visit: artfulparent.c...
This is a messy project but so fun to make, so make sure to cover your workstation and keep rags or paper towels handy!
What you need:
•Thin paper, such as copy or printer paper, for the initial drawing
•Pencil
•Styrofoam (we used pieces cut out from the bottom of food trays, but you can also buy styrofoam sheets specifically for printmaking)
•Water-based printing ink
•An acrylic box frame or a plate (for spreading ink)
•A hard rubber brayer
•White paper (we used watercolor paper this time but often use a smoother paper such as sulfite paper)
•Spoon
Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS
Drawing paper design on styrofoam.
1. Cut paper - To begin, cut the thin paper to be the same size as the styrofoam sheet you’ll print with.
2. Draw a design on paper - Then, draw a picture on the thin paper first. This step is optional, but it means you can draw a few different designs before choosing which one you want to print. It also makes it easier for younger children to transfer their images to styrofoam.
3. Trace drawing - Hold the drawing in place over the piece of styrofoam and trace the drawing with a pencil. You can also use the pointy end of a paintbrush, a chopstick, or something similar. Press down firmly, but evenly while tracing the image.
4. Assemble printmaking materials - Gather together a brayer, an acrylic box frame (we use the same one for monoprinting - these are so useful!), two colors of block printing ink, blank cards (watercolor paper folded over), a spoon, and the styrofoam plates (drawings).
5. Ink the brayer - Squeeze some ink onto the plexi frame and spread it around with the brayer. Once the brayer is coated with an even layer of ink, roll it over your styrofoam drawing.
6. Print the design on paper - Position the styrofoam on top of the paper or card and use a spoon to rub over the paper to help transfer the design.
7. Let dry! - Use it as a card, frame and hang it, or even gift it!
If you're interested to see all the art materials we love and use, check out the Artful Parent Amazon store here: 👉 www.amazon.com....
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Besides lots of great art tutorial videos, there are drawing prompts for kids, holiday arts & crafts, simple art invitations, and an app to make it all extra accessible.