Paper dye art experimenting is such a simple and fun technique for kids to create beautiful designs on paper – and it’s relatively mess free. Another cool project that is similar is DIY spin art over at DIY Candy.
Dye Art Projects For Kids Without The Mess
Today we have a really easy dye project for kids that is really versatile! The same simple dye technique can be used for all sorts of art projects – we are going to show you four ways we like to use this dye art for kids.
Related: More coffee filter crafts
Suitable for kids age 5 this activity combines art, simple science, learning and craft. Older kids and adults are drawn to this art idea due to the complex and gorgeous results that work well as wall art and gift-making.
Supplies Needed for Dye Art
- Felt tip markers
- Coffee filters (Chinese paper is the ultimate if you ever come across it in craft shops, paper towels don’t work – they just absorb, the dye doesn’t spread)
- Plastic plate or plastic table covering
- Spray bottle filled with water
Directions to Make Dye Art Projects
You’ll need to set the kids up on a solid flat working surface and have some plastic plates at the ready.
Step 1
Cut the coffee filters into circles and square sheets for the kids to start drawing on with their markers.
Step 2
After drawing the kids can lay their sheets on the plastic plate and spray a little water on them.
- It is best not to spray too much water and over saturate the sheet as the colors will wash out and the patterns will become unrecognizable.
- If you don’t have a water sprayer the kids can just flick water onto the paper with their fingers – fun fun fun!
Then all you need to do is leave the sheets aside to dry and watch the colors spread and blend and change.
Tip: Do not lift or move the sheets when they are drying as some of the dye will be left behind on the plate and your art sheets will loose their color intensity.
Dye Art Variation
To continue experimenting try folding the pages into fans, triangles etc and spraying with water after folding.
The folds will hold the dye color into the creases and make symmetrical patterns on your paper.
Craft Ideas Using Dyed Sheets
Once your dye experiments are dry you can spray glue them all together a page for a wonderful piece of artwork to display and enjoy.
OR you can craft with the art sheets. Here are a few simple ideas I made with Miss7 to inspire you – I found it best to spray glue the sheets onto white card stock to add a little strength, the paper is easy tear-able after being wet.
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1. Dye Art Bookmarks
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Cut your dyed sheets into rectangles, use a hole punch and some colorful ribbon to make the perfect bookmark for your favorite read.
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2. Dye Art Cards
Feed the dye art sheets through a palm punch and glue the pieces onto card stock for pretty greeting cards.
And my personal favorite….
3. Dye Art Fairies By My Fairy Loving Daughter – what’s not to love!!
Made with a wooden clothespin, washi tape and markers. These colorful fairies are the perfect addition above your bed to bring delightful dreams.
4. Tie Dye Butterflies
The image at the top of this article has two butterflies made with the dye paper. Use found sticks as the butterfly bodies and cut out the butterfly wings.–
