Printmaking: Sunset Panorama

This project will introduce you to various printmaking techniques such as sponging, masking and stamping using maple tree seeds and clay. Wrap it around a soup can and create a great pencil holder.

Ages 8 and up.

 

Supplies:

  • White heavy paper (watercolor, bristol or cardstock)
  • 2 Foam plates
  • Tempera paints in the following colors: blue, hot pink, red, orange, yellow and black
  • Kitchen sponge, cut up into 6 pieces
  • Newspaper
  • Maple tree seeds (kids call them "helicopters")
  • Modeling clay (any kind) *
  • Empty soup or fruit can (20 oz.)

(* If you don't have clay, make salt clay. See recipe below.)

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Directions:

1. Cut the white paper to fit the outside of your empty can.

(A 20 oz. pineapple can needs the paper cut to 11-1/4" x 4-1/8".)
 
2. Put small amounts of blue, hot pink, red, orange and yellow paint on one of the foam plates. Using a different sponge piece for each color, dab on the paint as shown. Each color stripe should be about 1/2" high. The colors should blend with each other.
 
3. Tear a rectangular piece of newspaper along the bottom edge, as shown. It should be long enough to cover your white paper.
 

4. Lay it over your paper as shown, covering most of the painted sunset. (Let a little yellow show.)

5. Sponge paint the bottom part with black paint, using the torn newspaper as a mask.
 
6. Carefully remove the newspaper to reveal a jagged edged silhouette.
 
7. Form a piece of clay into a small log, about 3-4" long.
   
8. Dip the clay into the black paint and stamp on two palm tree trunks, as shown.
 

9. Using maple tree seeds as stamps, create the palm branches on the trees. (Hold the seed by the smaller end and drag through the paint. Then press onto the paper as shown.)

Be sure to wipe your fingers often to prevent smudges and fingerprints on your page!
 
10. Using the end of the clay log, stamp "coconuts" onto the center of the branches.
   

11. When completely dry, spread glue on the back and wrap it around an empty soup can to create a pencil holder.

You may want to line the inside with felt to make a nice gift for someone!

 

© Karine Bauch 2006. All rights reserved.

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