Let’s think about art supplies you might have at home. Have you ever wondered how people, teachers, and KIDS make those really cool Coffee Filter Art projects?
It’s actually not very hard. We’ve made them for years, sometimes we turn them into turkeys (pinned over 60,000 times) and peacocks.
I just LOVE this cool color mixing process. If you don’t have coffee filters, go ahead and try something similar with paper towels.
You can see how we colored them BEFORE (left) and AFTER (right). They are a fun, inexpensive, craft and really WOW children!
Supplies for Coffee Filter Art:
- coffee filters (click here)
- Crayola Markers: Classic Colors or Extreme Colors
- newspaper
- disposable gloves
>>>>>>>>>Click HERE for Teacher / Large Group Tips<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>Steps #1-6 for Coffee Filter Tie Dye<<<<<<<<<
Color Mixing Tips for Tie Dye Coffee Filters:
- We found that the tie-dye effect looks best when brown and black are not used.
- Light colors usually show up best when they are used in the center or on the edge.
- The way you color is up to you, but large areas of color seems to transfer and blend best.
- On our turkey we used earth tone (red, green, orange) colors.
- For our peacock, we used cooler tones (blue, purple, yellow, green).
How To Dye Coffee Filters:
- Use Crayola Markers. Bright colors are best. Patterns look great (see above). Best markers: Classic Colors or Extreme Colors
- You only need to color half of the filter to get awesome results.
- After coloring, fold the filter in half and half again until it’s a wedge shape.
- Making more than one? Wear gloves or the marker ink will stain your hands.
- Don’t use too much water or the colors will be diluted.
>>>>>>>>>Click HERE for Teacher / Large Group Tips<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>Steps #1-6 for Coffee Filter Tie Dye<<<<<<<<<
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THANK YOU! I’m an elementary teacher at our Christian Academy and our “STEM” teacher is looking for any projects to do with the children. You have been immensely helpful, and I can’t wait to let her know about your website.Thank you again!
What a kind compliment Fay! I hope you’re able to find some good ideas.
Can you tell me how long it takes for the craft to dry? In a 2 hour program, can we get this done?
Hi Correne – Good question! I usually make the coffee filters one day, dry and finish the next day. I always put them on newspaper, but if it was a sunny day they might dry faster outside.
Do you put the whole filter into water? How long?
Hello! There are 2 ways. I just usually put the tip of the folded filter in the water and then draw the water through with my fingers. I’ve also seen people lay it flat on newspaper and spritz with water. The marker will stain, so keep that it mind!
I use coffee filter art lots with my 2 1/2 year old children;spray it with squirt bottle and leave on newspaper about three hours. Works great. Thank you for the art tips.
That’s awesome!
Does it have to be crayola markers? Does it work with sharpies or other markers?
I’m a big believer in Crayola for all.the.things! 🙂 It would imagine it would work with just about any water based marker, except for Sharpie since they are permanent. Good luck!
Have you ever used tissue paper? I dont have coffee filters. Just thought I’d ask before I give it a try.
Hi there! I have not. I don’t think it would work with this process, but I think paper towels might work! Good luck and let me know what you decide to do.