Maker Monday: Kids can create these easy, beautiful bubble prints

This week’s Maker Monday project combines kids’ love of blowing bubbles with the chance to get creative. These bright prints will look great hung up on their own. And once they’re dry, kids can also use them as stationary for notes to grandparents and other family members. Another option: Make beautiful bubble prints, then use them as a cool background for an outer space or under-the-sea drawing.

This is a great outdoor activity, though you can also try this project at a kitchen table.

All materials you’ll need for this Maker Monday project are things you may have around the house or can pick up at a dollar store. A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on this Maker Monday project and though this project doesn’t require any tools, always be careful when using tools of any kind.

Maker Monday materials you’ll need:

• dishwashing liquid
• warm water
• food coloring
• drinking straws
• bowls (one large bowl, then smaller ones for each color of food coloring you would like to use)
• spoons
• paper

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix equal parts dishwashing liquid and warm water. (You can begin with one cup of each, then make more if needed.)

Step 2: Pour about 3/4 of an inch of the soap/water mixture into a bowl. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir well to mix.

Step 3: Insert a straw into the liquid and blow gently so a tall tower of bubbles forms in the bowl.

Step 4: Place a sheet of paper over the top of the bubbles and lower it slowly. Hold the paper in place over the bowl for about 30 seconds or so until you can see the bubble color begin to seep through the sheet. As the bubbles pop, they create the print.

Step 5: Lift up the paper and turn it over to admire the design. You can continue to blow bubbles and then place different parts of the same sheet of paper over the bubbles, or you can use a different sheet of paper. Experiment with different colors or mix colors to make other shades. When you’re finished with a sheet of paper, hang it up to dry. (And leftover liquid can be stored in a jar for use another day.)

Want more at-home fun making beautiful things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here.

Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activities to info@kidsburgh.org.