These robot prints are an easy first printmaking project that uses up-cycled materials to make these simple one color prints.
What materials do you need for robot prints….
The supply list for these robot prints is super simple and doesn’t require any fancy printmaking materials. Here’s what you’ll need!
- white paint, tempera
- a variety of boxes and lids, different sizes and shapes
- black paper, we used 12 x 18
- a plate to spread paint on
- oil pastels
In the event that you don’t have all of those supplies exactly, follow along. I’ll give you some adaptations that will allow you to make a couple of different versions of these robot prints with slightly different materials.
Establish your robot printmaking station…
Printmaking goes the smoothest when you have a station already set up and your students can dive right in and start making!
First, cover the work surface if getting paint on it will bother you. It’s no fun to make while worrying about about making a mess. Spread a few tablespoons of white paint on a paper plate.
Spread out your lids and boxes near your paint. These items will be dipped in paint and printed on the paper and likely set back down again. There is bound to be some paint transfer so having your table covered is perfect!
Each printmaking station can serve 2- 4 students if you’re working with a larger group.
Let’s start printing robots….
Encourage your kiddo to start printing with a large shape or a series of shapes for the “body” of the robot print. Starting in the center makes it easier to ensure there is room for the entire robot.
Press the lid or box into the plate of paint and then press it down on black paper. If your students are having trouble getting complete prints it can help to layer a few scrap papers under their artwork. It provides a cushion that allows the prints to show up a little better.
Build out from the center adding limbs and details to the robot print. Encourage students to add any parts they can imagine- it doesn’t have to be real!
Adding color to your robot prints….
You could easily supply your students with multiple colors of paint during the printmaking process. In these pics you’ll notice only white paint printed on black paper. I love the simplicity of providing only these colors at this step in printmaking and adding color later, when the paint is dry. It’s so simple to prepare the materials and the focus stays on the shapes that make up the robot.
When the white paint on the robot prints has dried it’s time to break out the oil pastels. I love using oil pastels on black paper because they show up so well. The bright colors and the bold black and white prints really pop!
Encourage your kids to add color to their robot prints. They can color only on the remaining black paper areas, as seen here, or also add color to the white paint areas. Both will show up well!
Adaptation for these robot prints….
Don’t have all the supplies you need? Here are a few easy ways to switch these robot prints up and use different materials!
Use black paint to print on white paper. This eliminates the need for oil pastels. Now you can add color using crayons or markeres.
Make prints on any color of paper using multiple colors of paint.
If you can’t gather up enough lids and boxes for these robot prints dive into your bin of Lego blocks. Lego have tons of great shapes to choose from and wash up easily. See this post for more ideas on printing with Lego!
Do you love this ideas for robot prints? Please share it!
Every social share helps me to bring you more fun ideas and free printable resources!
