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.

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

- 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, 1Silicone Art Mats for Kids, 24
Plastic Art Trays,10 Pack Activity Plastic Crafts Tray,Medium Size,Multicolor Kids
Pacon Drawing Paper P4742, White, Standard Weight, 12
How to Make Bottle Print Flowers
- 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.
- 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.


- 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!


- 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.
- 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.


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.

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
Most plastic bottles with distinctive base designs will work perfectly. Just try a few and see which ones you like best!
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.
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
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.
Vicky says
Material Girl, Thanks for the idea! Sounds like a good extension for next time.
Vicky says
Hines Sight, Thanks for the kind words. Really if I can do it anyone can. I am not the perfect mom with perfect projects but I figure if they have some fun, learn something and kill some time then I'm happy.
Vicky says
Sarah, you do amazing work with your students. They are lucky to have you. Thanks for commenting!
Vicky says
Mindie, thanks! I am sure my kids will be into angry birds soon enough. Who knew it was so easy to make those fun cupcakes. I will check out the link up.
Vicky says
Working mommy, they will be before you know it. Thanks for following!
Material Girl Green says
Vicky, I'm following you back from http://materialgirlgreen.blogspot.com
Great idea for an activity! Next time they do this activity, you can encourage them to make ABA or AABB patterns with the colors to develop their cognitive skills!
Hines-Sight says
Vicky.
As a parent, I'm going to say that your blog is wonderful. Thank you so much for reaching out to me, so that I could come and see your blog. I really like your ideas.
I am not a craft mom at all. Don't like to do it, but I think I will honestly do some things on here. It is so refreshing. I am definitely doing the fruit loop thing today for my son. We don't have fruit loops, but I"m hoping cheerios will work.
Many thanks. I'm following you as well.
Sarah says
Torn paper can be used for so much. I make landscapes with my students actually. They love them!
Mindie Hilton says
New follower with GFC. Thanks for visiting Bacon Time and your comment on my angry bird cupcakes. The cupcakes were for my sons 9th birthday but I made the mistake while waiting for an appointment one day and let my 2 year old play, now he always wants mommies cell phone. Looks like a lot of fun ideas on your site, can't wait to see more. Would love for you to link up at my any linky goes party. It is still up if you want to link up but starts each Friday Afternoon.
Working Mommy says
Such a great project!! I wish my kiddos were old enough to appreciate all of your great ideas!
WM