Bubble Wrap Printing
2-4 Years, 4-6 Years
The bubble wrap printing activity invites children to explore patterns and textures through art. By cutting, painting, and pressing bubble wrap onto paper, children develop fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and creative expression, while learning about cause-and-effect through pressure and color layering as they connect with tactile and visual elements of their creation.
Learn what you need to do for this activity
Learn what is needed in order to do this activity
Learn how you can adapt this activity and reuse
Learn the Benefits of this activity
What do you do:
Cut bubble wrap to a manageable size or into fun shapes (circles, stars, hearts).
Apply paint to the bubble side using a roller, brush, or fingers.
Press the painted bubble wrap gently onto paper and lift to reveal textured prints.
Repeat with different colours, overlapping prints, or rotating the bubble wrap for varied patterns.
Allow the artwork to dry fully.
What's Needed:
Bubble wrap (small or large pieces)
Paint (tempera, acrylic, or watercolour)
Paper (thicker paper works best to avoid tearing)
Rollers, brushes, or even fingers for painting
Scissors (optional, for cutting shapes)
Smocks or protective covering
How to Adapt
3D Art: Press bubble wrap onto soft clay or playdough instead of paper to explore textures in sculptural work.
Storytelling: Encourage children to turn their textured prints into scenes or backgrounds for a story.
Combination Materials: Add glitter, stamping, or stamping with other found objects for more complex textures.
Benefits of the Activity
Pattern Recognition: Spot repeating shapes and textures
Sensory Play: Engage tactile senses by feeling the bubbles
Creativity & Expression: Experiment with colours, layers, and shapes
Fine Motor Skills: Strengthen hand-eye coordination using brushes or rollers
Early Experimentation: Learn cause-and-effect through paint and pressure variations
