Bubble Day! A sensory and printmaking adventure

Why is playing with bubble wrap so addictive? There’s something about those squishy little bubbles of air. They just beg to be popped.

When we received a postal delivery encased in metres of pristine bubble wrap, I couldn’t bring myself to bundle the packaging straight in the bin. There had to be a way we could re-use it for playtime fun.

So, I declared it “Bubble Day.”

First, I cut some of the bubble wrap into smaller pieces.

I put out three flat disposable plastic plates, and spread some paint thinly in each one, using a brush. You could use a foam roller if you wanted a perfect result.

I chose harmonious colours in ocean hues. Harmonious colours are next to each other on the colour wheel. If that sounds too complicated, just think of the order of a rainbow, and choose three colours in a row. For instance, you could choose red, orange and yellow. Or, like I did, green, blue, and purple. When you use harmonious colours, they look good even when you blend or overlap them – they don’t clash with each other.

Pat the bubble-wrap onto the paint. (Bubble side down!)

Then pat it onto the paper.

Peel it off! Ta-da! What a fun texture to print with.

We kept printing, alternating the colours and overlapping the prints. The kids were quite fascinated by the patterns they could make this way!

The artists took a few bubble-popping breaks along the way…

Here’s a finished print! I had a plan in mind for these – I’ll share the gorgeous result next week.

While the kids were printing, I set up another little activity for them. I cut long strips of bubble wrap and laid them in a path on the floor. (If I did this again, I’d tape the strips down.)

Then the kids took turns being blindfolded and had to follow the path, using their feet to feel the way. I told them there was a treasure waiting for them at the end!

They loved the sensation of walking barefoot along the bubble wrap! It was quite hard for them to stay on the path. It was a really good exercise in balance and sensory awareness.

At the end of the path they each discovered a bubble wand, hidden beneath a pile of cushions. Of course, we took them straight outside and got playing!

I just love the facial expressions. Such delight at watching the bubbles be caught by the breeze and whisked up into the air.

Meanwhile, son #2 was busy playing with some bubbles of his own….

It’s the simple things, right?

Next week I’ll share the gorgeous craft we made using these bubble prints as a base! I also have a couple of big room reveals coming up. Stay tuned!

Let’s chat: What is it about bubble wrap, anyway? Any other closet bubble-wrap addicts out there…?

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Comments

Sherrinda says

Monday at 11:03 am

I love it! I use bubble wrap in my art journal sometimes. It gives another layer to add interest to the page. Your kiddos are so beautiful!
Karen Schravemade says

Monday at 11:03 am

I love the layered textures on your art pages, Sher! Maybe my little guys will grow up to be artists like you. 🙂
Sherrinda says

Friday at 10:45 am

I love it! I use bubble wrap in my art journal sometimes. It gives another layer to add interest to the page. Your kiddos are so beautiful!
Karen Schravemade says

Friday at 11:04 am

I love the layered textures on your art pages, Sher! Maybe my little guys will grow up to be artists like you. 🙂
Karen Latham says

Monday at 11:03 am

I love this project… Think it would make a great gift for young mummies… In fact I really plan on making some to hang my grand daughters art work. She is not even two yet and loves loves loves to draw and paint, and already her mummy and daddy are accumulating lots of lovely pictures. Such a practical project and it looks so good. Karen, can I ask one question though, where do you buy the Rust-oleum spray paint….
Karen Schravemade says

Monday at 11:04 am

Thank you, Karen! 🙂 Sounds like a lovely present. You can grab the Rust-oleum at Bunnings! xo
Karen Latham says

Saturday at 5:20 am

I love this project… Think it would make a great gift for young mummies… In fact I really plan on making some to hang my grand daughters art work. She is not even two yet and loves loves loves to draw and paint, and already her mummy and daddy are accumulating lots of lovely pictures. Such a practical project and it looks so good. Karen, can I ask one question though, where do you buy the Rust-oleum spray paint….
Karen Schravemade says

Saturday at 7:22 am

Thank you, Karen! 🙂 Sounds like a lovely present. You can grab the Rust-oleum at Bunnings! xo

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