Art can be created using materials found around the house. This open-ended art activity can be altered to fit the needs of kids of all ages and can be used to fit nearly any subject matter. Using an old cookie sheet, kids can create a simplified version of a printing press and come up with a creative work of art.

My son chose to create a classic masterpiece . . . a Star Wars lightsaber. Star Wars is popular around our house and is has found it’s way into our homeschool art lessons but it helps my 6 year old stay excited about art and gives him a starting point to express his creativity. Allowing kids to be free to create, no matter what the subject matter, can help them to develop as an artist and be encouraged to try new things.

Materials Needed

• Old cookie sheet
• Non-toxic paint
• Paintbrush
• Paper

Instructions

Provide kids with an old cookie sheet and several colors of paint. Encourage kids to paint whatever they want to on the cookie sheet, If you are doing this art project as part of a preschool theme or as a curriculum supplement provide kids with some direction as to the subject matter but try and avoid dictating what they should create.

Once the painting on the cookie sheet has been completed, have kids lay a piece of paper down flat on top of the painting, being careful not to wiggle the paper once it has come into contact with the paint. Gentle pressure can be applied to the top of the paper to be sure that all parts of the painting have been printed onto the paper. The paper can be slowly peeled off of the cookie sheet and flipped over to dry.