Kids Block Print Craft
Block printing is a printing technique which uses wooden blocks carved with an image or text that are inked and pressed onto paper to make multiple prints. To simplify the technique for kids, use other materials that are easier for little hands to cut into. Making small block prints is similar to working with rubber stamps.
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Soap
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Kids can create block prints from plain soap, though glycerin soap makes for a nice sharp print. Kids can select a new bar of their favorite soap for this block print craft. The color of the soap doesn’t matter. The bars do need to be large enough for kids to handle without easily dropping them. For the print block, let the kids pick from several basic designs. They might choose a triangle or, if ambitious, a tree or ornament outline. Let the children use vegetable peelers to cut the designs from the bars of soap. Mark the design in the center of the soap, making it as large as possible. The kids cut away the soap around the design until it sticks up a good 1/2 inch or more.
Styrofoam
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Kids can create their print blocks from Styrofoam. Cut 4-inch square blocks that are at least 3 inches thick. Use markers to draw the designs onto the Styrofoam squares. Keep designs simple. Very young children should not make print blocks from Styrofoam as they require a knife to cut out the design. Supervise the kids as they cut the designs from the square. Explain it is best to work slowly and cut small pieces at a time so as not to make a mistake.
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Potatoes
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Kids might be surprised when you talk about making blocks for block printing and you hand each of them an oval potato. But potatoes make a good material for kids to carve into. First cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Markers don’t work well for marking a design on potatoes. Instead, Cut a shallow outline of the design on the top of the potato. Cut away the rest of the potato to highlight the design. Stop when it projects at least ½ inch from the rest of the potato.
Making the Prints
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Once the block has been created, it is time to make a print. Use paper plates or shallow trays for the paint. Cover the surface where the children are working with a drop cloth or newspaper. Let the children select the paint colors they wish to use. Pour a thin layer of paint into the paper plates or shallow trays, one color per child. When working with Styrofoam blocks, use a paint that works with Styrofoam; not all do. Lay out a piece of paper for each child. Also provide several layers of paper towels by each plate. The kids dip their blocks into the paint, blot them on the paper towels if the paint is too thick, then press the blocks onto the paper to transfer the designs. The blocks can be used to make any number of prints.
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References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
