Age group: kindergarten – middle primary
Come together in this fun session with your child and learn about the joys of getting their hands dirty with paint or ink. The joy of making marks in wet paint and then layering up the colours.
What you will need to create:
- A3 Gelli plate
- Printed copies of the bugs
- Roller, soft rubber
- Choice of three different coloured paints
- Plastic spatula, fork or similar for dragging into the paint
- Pair of pipe cleaners (antlers)
- 6 Black pop-sticks for legs
- Pair of googly eyes per bug
Let’s play. Step-by-step instructions
Creative prep
- Print out at least one bug or beetle template for each little person. This will be their template to use to create wonderful colours and textures over.
Prepare the paint or ink you will be using
- Using a roller, children will roll out a thin, even layer of acrylic paint onto the Gel plate or a substitute plastic sheet.
Create texture in the paint
- While the freshly rolled out paint is still wet, use soft tools (like the end of a brush or a finger) to draw patterns and textures into the paint. Creating tone for the back of your beetle or bug.
Now let’s print our bug
- Place the bug body template face down onto the gel plate that is covered with paint. Gently press all over the back to transfer the paint. Creating an awesome textured mono print.
Reveal the print
- Carefully peel the paper off to reveal the textured print on the bug’s body. Set aside to dry.
- Repeat to introduce additional colours and textures.
Pro tip: Don’t leave your paper too long on the paint, it could dry and tear.
Cut and assemble
- Once the paper template is completely dry, cut out the bug shape.
The fun details
- Together, glue on eyes, tape on legs and any extra bling decorations your beetle or bug may need.
Pro tip: Add glitter for a sparkle shell
Finish it off
- Stick the finished bug onto a bright, colourful background to really make it pop!
