The Imagination Tree

Creative play and learning for kids

Tissue Paper Bleeding Art

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Here is a way to make very simple, beautiful art work using just tissue paper and water!
I was totally inspired (perhaps for the first time!) by the Mister Maker art show where he shared this simple method and it has been on our chalkboard to-do list for SO long! I’m glad we finally had a go as it is easily achievable even for the littlest hands, creates beautiful process-focused art work and has many options for extension and progression. We are adding this to our regular repertoire of fun things to do!
To make tissue paper bleeding pictures you simply need some brightly coloured tissue paper, torn roughly into pieces, some water and a paintbrush! Make sure you find the tissue paper that is likely to let the dye run when it gets wet (often the cheap and cheerful stuff is the best for this!) Ours actually had a warning on the packet to take care as it could stain when wet- perfect! Next time I am going to hunt out even more vibrant colours for a stronger effect.

 Then simply invite your child to wash over a large piece of paper with water and stick down the torn tissue pieces over the top. It is better to use heavy paper such as cartridge paper to stick onto as it has a greater absorbency than everyday thin paper.

 Encourage your child to stick pieces in any direction or pattern they wish, not to create a set picture or scene. Overlapping the edges of the colours and trying to cover the entire blank white sheet were the two suggestions I gave and she enjoyed the challenge.

Pop totally understood how to join in with this activity and loved washing the water all over the paper and tissue papers with her brush. She stayed so long that I had to move her paper before it got so saturated that holes started to form! 

 When all the pieces are stuck down and the paper is covered it looks absolutely beautiful! Next your child needs to wash another layer of water over the top of the entire picture and this really intensifies the colours and makes sure the tissue is well and truly adhered to the paper.

 Leave it to dry overnight and by the next day the tissue paper has completely dried out and is starting to lift off. Cakie loved carefully removing all of the pieces to see what she would find underneath and was full of many “wows!” when she saw that the colours had transferred to the white paper.

 Voila! One of the finished masterpieces! The colours bled through to the paper and created a beautiful print, in slightly faded hues. I love the effect but would also love to experiment with even more vibrant colours and perhaps some patterning in the future.

The finished art work can be ironed on a very low heat with a tea towel/ dish cloth over the top, and then framed. Alternatively it would look lovely cut into heart shapes or made into gift cards!

Learning Links:

  • art and creativity: explore colour, shape and form in two and three dimensions, experiment with using and combining a range of media, talk about colours and shapes in own art work and that of others
  • phse: sustain concentration for extended periods of time, work independently on self-chosen projects
  • physical development: fine motor skills and co-ordination through tearing, sticking, painting and peeling
Cakie: 3 years 5 months
Pop: 22 months

Comments

    • Anna @ The Imagination Tree says

      Yes it peels right off because the water has thoroughly dried. I must say I was almost sad to remove the tissue as it looked so vibrant! Maybe we will just do some simple collage with PVA next 🙂 Not sure about fabric as it’s a delicate effect, but it might work! Be fun to experiment.

  3. Jude says

    Keep on meaning to try this, but haven’t done so as yet – looks like it creates some beautiful subtle watercolour effects!

  5. Ms. Barbara says

    I’ve tried this with my kiddos before, but we had a deep tray with the paper in it. They placed the tissue paper on the paper and sprayed gently with a bottle filled with water. Our results were a little lighter than I had hoped, but still beautiful. I like the idea of painting the water on the tissue paper and will need to try this format, as well.

  6. Ellie says

    This looks fab, we’re definitely going to have to try it, I love the way it’s so simple and that both my girls (18 months and 3.5 years) would enjoy it. Thanks for sharing and beautiful pictures as ever. Ellie

    • Anna @ The Imagination Tree says

      Ahh thank you so much Christine! For that tissue paper printing we just used regular, store bought poster/ ready mix/ kiddie paint. (Not sure what you call it as I don’t know what part of the world you are in!) But simply the readymade, washable stuff, nothing fancy! It stays permanently on the paper and it looks gorgeous. Ours is still hanging and makes me very happy to look at 🙂 I guess the only thing that could happen over time is that the colours in the tissue paper may fade if placed near sunlight. I may move mine to the hall!

  8. cookwithkids says

    This is a great idea. Definitely going to try this one. I love that you have to leave it overnight but that the first part of the experience is rewarding enough on it’s own. Thanks for sharing!

  9. jwg says

    If you add a little white vinegar to the water you will get brighter colors. I have no idea why. This is also a great way to decorate Easter eggs. They look like stained glass.