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    Home » Painting Activities

    Bottle Print Flowers

    Modified: May 27, 2025 · Published: Aug 21, 2011 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 57 Comments

    103 shares
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    Jump to Craft
    child tearing green construction paper
    bottle_print_flowers.jpg

    Empty plastic bottles are probably sitting in your recycling bin right now. You can use them to make these pretty Bottle Print Flowers. This is one of those spring activities for kids that is a quick and simple way for kids to create some colorful art.

    This one is my favorite art activities because it doubles as a recycling lesson for little ones. Plus, it’s fun to see what kind of unique "flowers" different bottles can create.

    bottle print flowers pin

    If your kids can't get enough spring activities, check out these fun Spring I Spy Games.

    Jump to:
    • Flower Art Activities
    • Supplies For Water Bottle Flowers
    • How to Make Bottle Print Flowers
    • Benefits of Bottle Printing Activity
    • Tips for Bottle Print Flowers
    • FAQs For Plastic Bottle Flower Art

    I was visiting another blog and saw Flower Prints From Soda Bottles, and I knew I wanted to try it and add my own spin to it. Kids are bound to love this easy and colorful craft!

    Flower Art Activities

    Flower art activities are a great way for kids to get creative and have fun. They are typically done in the spring, but you can do them any time of the year. Whether you are making flower art to decorate or just as a fun art project, here are some ideas kids will love:

    • Tissue Paper Flower Art Activity
    • Flower Activities for Kids
    • Making Sponge Flowers
    • 10 Flower Activities
    • Bubble Paint Flowers Craft For Kids
    • Rainbow Spin Art Flower Craft

    Supplies For Water Bottle Flowers

    bottles for an art project
    • Plastic bottles: Different sizes, like one-liter and pint bottles, work best. Each creates unique "flower" patterns.
    • Tempera paint: Washable paint is perfect for this craft since it makes cleanup easier.
    • Tray: Great for keeping paint and the mess contained.
    • White paper: Large sheets are perfect for printing the “flowers.”
    • Green construction paper: For grass and stems.
    • Glue: Elmer’s or any kid-friendly glue works well.

    Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paints Set, 16 oz, 1Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paints Set, 16 oz, 1Handy Art Little Masters Tempera Paints Set, 16 oz, 1Silicone Art Mats for Kids, 24Silicone Art Mats for Kids, 24Silicone Art Mats for Kids, 24Plastic Art Trays,10 Pack Activity Plastic Crafts Tray,Medium Size,Multicolor KidsPlastic Art Trays,10 Pack Activity Plastic Crafts Tray,Medium Size,Multicolor KidsPlastic Art Trays,10 Pack Activity Plastic Crafts Tray,Medium Size,Multicolor KidsPacon Drawing Paper P4742, White, Standard Weight, 12Pacon Drawing Paper P4742, White, Standard Weight, 12Pacon Drawing Paper P4742, White, Standard Weight, 12

     

    How to Make Bottle Print Flowers

    1. Start with the paint: Add 3-4 different paint colors to a tray in small puddles. A variety of colors will look great, but don’t overdo it since too many choices can overwhelm younger kids.
    2. Dip the bottles: Show your kids how to dip the base of a bottle into the paint to coat it evenly. Each bottle’s different base will create its own unique flower shape.
    paint on a tray
    making bottle print flowers
    1. Stamp the flowers: Have your child press the painted bottle base onto the paper to make flower prints. Repeat with different bottles and colors for variety!
    how to make bottle print flowers
    making bottle print flowers with paint.
    1. Add stems and grass: Once the flowers dry, attach a strip of green construction paper at the bottom of the paper for the grass. You can also use markers or pipe cleaners for stems.
    2. Glue it down: I squirted some white glue into a recycled applesauce cup, then had my kids use a paintbrush to apply glue where needed.
    kid making bottle print flowers
    painting bottle print flowers

    That's all there is to it! Let the art dry, and you have a lovely spring art project. This might even turn into a two-day project if kids enjoy adding extra details like tearing paper "grass" or experimenting with different bottle bases.

    painted bottle print flowers

    Benefits of Bottle Printing Activity

    • Encourages creativity: Kids can experiment with colors and patterns to make their flowers unique.
    • Teaches recycling: They’ll see firsthand how something "useless," like a plastic bottle, can become something beautiful.
    • Develops fine motor skills: From stamping to gluing, this project helps kids strengthen the small muscles in their hands and develop their coordination.

    Tips for Bottle Print Flowers

    • Tip 1: Keep wipes or a damp cloth nearby for quick cleanup since paint can get messy.
    • Tip 2: Try adding glitter to the flowers before the paint dries to give them an extra sparkle!
    • Tip 3: Rotate bottles and mix paint colors to get fun, layered effects on the flowers.

    FAQs For Plastic Bottle Flower Art

    Does this craft work with all types of bottles?

    Most plastic bottles with distinctive base designs will work perfectly. Just try a few and see which ones you like best!

    Can I use another type of paint?

    While tempera is preferred because it’s washable and vibrant, acrylic paints can work too. Just be aware that acrylic isn’t as easy to wash out.

    How long does this craft take?

    The stamping part can be done in 20-30 minutes, but if you’re adding extra details like grass and stems, it might take about an hour. You can also split this flower craft over two sessions.

    Bottle Print Flowers are a fun way to turn recyclables into art while helping kids express their creativity. Next time you are ready to recycle a plastic bottle, hold off and have some flowery fun!

    Bottle Print Flowers
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    Bottle Print Flowers

    This fun craft activity involves creating vibrant bottle print flowers using paint and recycled plastic bottles. It's a simple and creative way to make colorful flower art while repurposing everyday items!
    Author: Vicky

    Materials

    • Plastic bottles of various sizes
    • Tempera paint
    • A tray
    • White paper
    • Green construction paper
    • Glue

    Instructions

    • Add 3-4 paint colors to a tray in small amounts.
    • Dip the base of each bottle into the paint to coat it evenly.
    • Press the painted bottle base onto white paper to create flower prints, using different bottles and colors for variety.
    • Once the paint is dry, attach green construction paper to the bottom for grass.
    • Use markers or pipe cleaners to create stems.
    • Pour glue into a small container and apply it with a paintbrush as needed.

    Notes

    • Keep a damp cloth handy for easy cleanup as this can get a little messy!
    • For extra flair, sprinkle some glitter on the flowers while the paint’s still wet.
    • Twist and rotate the bottles as you stamp to create cool layered effects. 
    • Always supervise your child while doing an activity.

    More Painting Activities

    • Drip Painted Flower Pots
    • Earth Day Activity
    • Q-Tip Painted Snowman Craft
    • Watercolor Painted Seashells
      Watercolor Painted Seashells

    Comments

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    1. Heavenly Blossoms says

      September 23, 2011 at 12:46 am

      This is soo cool, thanks for my stopping by my Heavenly Blossoms blog!!! I am so grateful thank you stopped by, your blog is the first that I have come across of its kind! I will definitely take these ideas into action with my 20 m/o!!! Following your awesome blog now!

      Reply
    2. Mindy says

      September 17, 2011 at 12:30 am

      Sooo, I'm pretty sure my kids would want to live at your house. I've been scrolling through all your projects and you have a TON!!!! I'm subscribing in Google Reader. :o)

      Reply
    3. Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com says

      September 05, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      Vicky - thanks for the nice comment on my site and for becoming a fan 🙂 Your site is incredible! How do you have over 100 followers after just starting to blog? Thats amazing! I look forward to seeing what you post next!

      Reply
    4. Vicky says

      September 01, 2011 at 7:12 pm

      Denise, hope everything is okay there and you guys are back to normal.

      Reply
    5. Vicky says

      September 01, 2011 at 7:11 pm

      Christy, thanks for coming by and looking around!

      Reply
    6. Denise McDonough says

      August 31, 2011 at 1:56 am

      Sorry I am just getting to gfc now with the hurricane and all I am so behind...
      Thanks for coming over to mommy2nanny3doggy1

      Reply
    7. Christy says

      August 30, 2011 at 3:16 pm

      This is adorable. I always need more craft ideas for my kiddos. I'm following you back! Thanks so much, can't wait to see what I learn from you. 🙂

      Reply
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    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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