February Fun: Printmaking for All Ages
- Kaila Piepkow
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
There’s something magical about the moment a print is revealed—the anticipation, the surprise, and the joy of creation. At Doodles Academy, we believe that art should be accessible, process-driven, and filled with opportunities for creative exploration. This February, we’re diving into the world of printmaking, offering hands-on workshops that invite artists of all ages to experiment with different techniques. Whether you join us in person or try these activities at home, printmaking is a fantastic way to tell stories, express ideas, and embrace beautiful oops in art!
The Art of Printmaking: Play, Experiment, and Discover
Printmaking is more than just making copies—it’s about layering, texture, and the unexpected. With simple, everyday materials, you can create beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints. Our upcoming workshops will feature different printmaking stations, allowing participants to explore a variety of techniques. Try one, or try them all!
Monoprints: One-of-a-Kind Creations
Monoprinting is perfect for artists who love spontaneity. No two prints are exactly alike, making this technique a wonderful exercise in creative discovery.
Try it at home:
Spread a thin layer of acrylic paint on a smooth surface like a laminated sheet or plexiglass.
Use cotton swabs, texture combs, or even fingers to create patterns in the paint.
Press a sheet of paper over the design and smooth it down evenly.
Peel it back to reveal your unique monoprint!
Want more? Try layering colors or using the leftover paint for a ghost print.
Foam Printing: Build a Puzzle of Colors
This technique turns foam shapes into bold, layered images. It’s a fun way to create scenes and abstract compositions.
Cut craft foam into different shapes to create a landscape, face, or abstract design.
Paint each foam piece with a thin layer of acrylic or tempera paint.
Press the pieces onto paper, layering them to build a colorful image.
Experiment with different color combinations and arrangements!
Relief Printing on Styrofoam: Carve, Ink, Print!
Carving into Styrofoam transforms it into a reusable stamp—perfect for making repeating patterns or bold designs.
Use a dull pencil or skewer to draw a design into a Styrofoam sheet.
Roll a thin layer of paint over the carved surface using a brayer or foam roller.
Press the inked Styrofoam onto paper and apply even pressure.
Lift to reveal your print and repeat for a patterned effect.
Stamp Printing: Perfect for Little Hands
For younger artists, stamping is an easy way to explore printmaking using simple shapes and found objects.
Try it at home:
Cut shapes from foam or cardboard, or use natural materials like leaves and sponges.
Dip lightly into paint and press onto paper to create patterns.
Experiment with overlapping colors and layering stamps to create a dynamic composition!
Join the Print Party!
Printmaking encourages curiosity, experimentation, and storytelling—core values of artful learning. Each print tells its own story, from the accidental smudge that turns into a tree branch to the layered colors that create an unexpected sunset. Just like in learning, the process is just as valuable as the final outcome.
This February, we invite you to join us in our printmaking workshops and experience the joy of hands-on art. Can’t make it? Try one of these activities at home with your family, and let us know how it goes!
Art is about discovery, and there’s no wrong way to create. Whether you're layering colors, carving designs, or stamping patterns, we hope you’ll find joy in the magic of printmaking.
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