Lego Printmaking with DIY Stamp Pads

Gadget printmaking is a simple way to introduce printmaking to kids & SO much fun! Lego Printmaking is a great project for developing creativity & helping children to think outside the box. This project was originally created on Filth Wizardry, please visit this great blogsite! We did Lego Printmaking in my After School Art Class & the children LOVED it-in fact each child created several in one class! This would also make a great SUB lesson!

This lesson is simple enough for elementary, but can be adapted up through high school art-I will be challenging my HS art students with this next year!

Supplies: Legos (various lengths & sizes), black tempera paint, India Ink, Cellulose Sponge Cloths, Set of 3, (Alternative option: color Lego with a marker & press onto paper)

Preparation:

1. Cut thin sponges into squares- it does not have to be this size-just big enough for the largest Lego to fit on it for printing!
2. Prepare a mixture of 3:1 Tempera paint to India Ink.
3. Pour onto sponges & let soak in completely (about 20 minutes depending on the dampness of the sponge) & place on Styrofoam plates. These can be refrigerated to keep good for future printing. I put mine in zip lock bags.

Instructions:

1. Have students choose a colored sheet of construction paper.
2. Demo stamping & printing. Encourage them to think of something real or fantasy to create & use the LEGOS to print the shapes.
3. Let dry (should dry pretty quickly-about 5 minutes). Speed up the drying process with a hair dryer.
4. Color design with colored pencils.

For more Printmaking Lessons try Collagraph Printing or Linoleum Self Portrait Printmaking

Student artwork-almost finished

Cut “Thin” Sponges into 3×3″ squares)

I made a mixture of India Ink & Tempera Paint to make a stamp pad.

Pour ink/paint mixture onto sponge. Let soak in & place on styrofoam plate.

Various size & shape LEGOs for printing

Use the Legos to print images

Use colored pencils to color in designs.

If you choose to use this lesson or to repost it, please link it back to my blog. Create Art with ME