Cool Paper Towel Art For Kids

Kick off your summer play with awesome STEAM Activities! This cool paper towel art is easy to make with a few simple materials. Combine art with science, and learn about water solubility. Grab the free STEAM guide below.

STEAM for Kids

STEAM projects are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing kids to explore and experiment in ways that traditional learning might not offer. Whether building a bridge, creating a piece of art inspired by famous artists, or conducting a fun science experiment, STEAM activities provide endless opportunities for learning and discovery.

💡Read More: What is STEAM?

Paper Towel Art

Three common household or classroom supplies, and you have a cool summer art project. Make an abstract picture, make a tye-dye, or make a masterpiece!

💡Also try our Tie Dye Paper Towel Art.

YOU WILL NEED:

Paper Towels
Water Soluble Markers (not permanent)
Water
Spray Bottle
Pipette
Tray

HOW TO MAKE PAPER TOWEL ART

STEP 1: Place sheets of paper towels on your tray in one layer.

STEP 2: Using washable markers, create a design or picture. Try to cover the area as much as possible with color!

STEP 3: Fill a squirt bottle with water and lightly spray the paper towel. Watch the colors come alive as the colors spread through the paper towel.

Continue wetting the paper towel until you are satisfied! Set aside to dry and then you can hang up the masterpiece!

💡TIP: This can also be done with coffee filters! See how we do that here.

Free Printable STEAM Activity Guide

Start with STEAM today, and use this handy STEAM guide to plan your next activity!

The Simple Science of Solubility

Soluble vs. insoluble! If something is soluble that means it will dissolve in that liquid. The ink used in these washable markers dissolves in what? The water of course!

When you added drops of water to the designs on the paper, the ink should spread out and run along the fibers in the paper with the water.

Note: Permanent markers do not dissolve in water but in alcohol. You can see this in action here with our tie dye sharpie cards.

More Fun with Solubility

STEAM Activities You Can Do With Your Kids

There are many ways to check out STEAM activities (complete list), or try one of these listed below and grab the printable guide as a handy reference.