Often, the best art ideas stem from recycled goods. This bubble wrap art does not disappoint!
As my boys thumbed through their book by The Best Ideas for Kids, they immediately froze, singling out this idea. They were on a mission to make this happen, and I wasn’t going to stop them.
Wait! Is painting messy? Not if you set the crowd up for success. You’ll see everything you need to get started in this How to Paint with Kids post. Let’s get this bubble wrap activity on the road!
RELATED: Love painting? Us too! Check out these 40+ easy painting ideas for kids!
Supplies
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- Paper bags or shower curtains to line the table – One day, I grabbed the shower liner from our bathroom and never looked back.
- Paper tube – I like to use the leftover tube from the kitchen roll, but you can grab whatever you have in the house.
Bubble Wrap
Ordered something delicate? Save that bubble wrap for this art activity! It also makes a great addition to your sensory bins.
Paint
Use different colors to spark the imagination and improve your kid’s vocabulary.
Paintbrush
These massively help with pencil grip, which children need for writing later in life.
White paper roll
This will be your base to roll the bubble wrap along and make the prints.
RELATED: Looking for a place to store all your art supplies? You will love our Art Cart for Kids.
How to Set Up Bubble Wrap Art
Step 1. Cover the table with paper.
I love to make sure I set my preschool activities up for success. We talk ahead of time to make a plan. I remind the boys that paint goes on paper, and we touch base about how to switch colors between uses.
We also try to paint in the late morning when the focus is at its fullest potential. I started the activity by lining my table with brown paper bags and taping them down using painter’s tape.
Step 2. Wrap up paper tubes in bubble wrap.
The paper tubes were quickly wrapped in bubble wrap using a glue stick. Then I grabbed the paint. I like to use egg crates for the paint and repurposed plastic containers for the water.
Step 3. Let them paint away!
Once the art table was set up, I called the boys to get started. They painted the bubble wrap with different colors and then created prints how they saw fit.
We call this process art, which allows the young artist to decide how the outcome will look. – This kind of art is a personal favorite of mine, and you can find an extensive collection of art ideas for kids on our blog!
Step 4. Give them encouragement.
As the kids paint, I want to find ways to reinforce their painting skills as they work. I may say something like, “Look at you! That is such a great idea to show your brother how to make purple from blue and red. Way to be a helper!”
Painting with kids doesn’t have to be a disaster. We have to set the stage before handing over the paintbrush. That way, I always enjoy these kids’ activities!
Step 5. Observe as they create.
All three of my boys came to create bubble wrap art, and all three conquered their wishes.
The three-year-old mixed all the colors onto the bubble wrap and stayed in one place. It wasn’t his first time painting. I began painting with him early on with a genius painting with a toddler idea.
Our five-year-old carefully painted a rainbow pattern and gently rolled it onto the paper.
My 6.5-year-old painted his bubble wrap tube many times and created a collection of prints.
Three very different techniques helped each one explore color mixing and painting.
Children not only benefit from painting! Remember, you can also include drawings, sculptures, and pottery! Having a few essential craft supplies on hand will help jump-start most art activities at home. You can find the full write-up for this bubble wrap activity in Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials.
RELATED: Find this idea, plus 19 more on our BIG KID activity cards!
Benefits of Allowing Time for Artwork
- Concentration – Children get absorbed in their artwork, which is great for improving their concentration skills when they start school.
- Creativity – Yes, art is creative! Because it uses so many textures and colors, and there is no right or wrong way to do it!
- Dexterity and pencil grip – Squeezing, holding, molding, tearing, all these things are great for fine motor strength.
- Expressing emotions – It’s hard for toddlers to express their feelings in words when they don’t have the language yet. Art is a great way to channel their emotions.
- Hand-eye coordination – Learning to use scissors and stick things down is incredible for developing hand-eye coordination.
If you want to read more about the benefits, I love this article explaining why art is important in child development.
Go Ahead and Dive In
This summer, let’s bring the arts into our homes! Quick and easy to set up, I count this art activity as a winner. When will you try this bubble wrap art?
Need More Art Activities?
- Art Cart – Kids Art Supply Organization
- Paint by Dots
- Watercolor Painting for Kids
- Watercolor Shape Painting
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games that begin the day with play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use bubble wrap art to blend the colors of paint and explore different textures. Listen to the conversations as your child rolls the paint over the paper.
Let your painted paper dry, and then use the paper as wrapping paper! A unique way to decorate gifts for celebrations like holidays and birthdays.
I like to use bubble wrap with many ages and stages. Three-year-olds may need help adding the paint to the bubble wrap roller, and older children can take on the two-step directions: first, add the paint, then roll the bubble wrap paper roll on the paper.
