By Robin Ballmer

This art project is fun and geared for preschoolers.

During the process they learn a printing technique called mono-printing, which simply means a single print.

Fingerpainting is a fun, sensory art experience for young children taking a print from their painting adds an extra layer of excitement and purpose.

Start by selecting a unique finger-painting surface. Ideally it should be a light colored, nonporous surface like a tabletop, or a piece of plexiglass. Finger paint paper works fine as well.

If using fingerpaint paper, try taping it to the table with painters’ tape so it doesn’t move around.

What You Need

•Washable tempera paint–red, yellow and blue

•Liquid starch

•White paper

•Paint shirt or smock

•Wet wipes or wet washcloth for wiping hands

•Paper towels and water to clean painting surface between paintings

•Q-tips (optional) for adding topical designs

•Three small bowls or muffin tin pan

What You Do

Pour a small amount of liquid starch into each bowl or muffin tin cups. Add paint to liquid starch and stir well.

Drop small globs of paint around the paint surface. Encourage children to create swirls, circles, and Xs into the paint.

Lay the white paper on top of the fingerpaint and tap down or gently rub the paper.

Gently pull the paper off the fingerpaint and see the mono-print.

Hints and Tips

Using only red, blue and yellow (primary colors) allows children to see secondary colors appear.

Keep a little distance between color globs so they spread and blend without turning muddy brown.

As children grow with this activity, add tools like a brayer or small paint brush for rolling.

Robin Ballmer is a children’s art advocate and program coordinator.