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Paint Transfer Planet Art
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DIY Planet Printmaking

The universe is the limit with this fun planet printmaking craft for kids. Have fun painting a planet design on a paper plate and printing it onto cardstock to create your own planetary art!
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Yield: 1 planet print
Author: Debbie Chapman
Cost: $1

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

Step 1: Find what you need

  • Gather your supplies and materials.
    Planet Printmaking Supplies

Step 2: Prepare to paint

  • Grab a paper dinner plate. This shape makes it easy to paint a round planet.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Flip the plate over, setting it down so the rounded base is facing you.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Then grab your paint colours. To make Earth you'll need blue and green, of course.
    For other planets you might want 4 or 5 colours, or even different shades of the same colour. (Read more below the tutorial.)
    Planet Printmaking

Step 3: Add colour to the plate

  • Add a generous amount of green paint to the plate, roughly in the shape of the continents.
    Keep in mind that your print will be backwards, so think about that if you want your Earth to look semi-accurate.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Then use a paintbrush to fill in the green sections so the paint is nice and even.
    The paint should be thick enough that it will transfer cleanly, but not too thick that the paint will drip or smudge.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Add blue paint around the green to represent the water.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Use a paintbrush to fill in the blue areas. You'll need to carefully push the blue paint up against the green, trying not to smudge the colours together too much.
    (If they mix a bit, it's no big deal -- just try your best.)
    Planet Printmaking

Step 4: Make your planet print

  • Take a black piece of cardstock and line it up as best you can, so your planet will be in the middle of the paper.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Use your hands to push the paper down. Try to stabilize it in the middle so the paper doesn't move around and smudge the print.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Then flip the paper and plate over, and repeat, pressing down on the plate from the inside. Again, be careful and try not to let the plate move.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Then carefully peel the plate up to reveal your planet.
    Planet Printmaking
  • Your planet Earth print is complete!
    Planet Printmaking
  • Then have fun making other planets from our solar system, like Mars and Jupiter!
    Planet Printmaking

Video

Notes

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