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    Home » Painting Activities

    Tape Resist Art with Watercolors

    Modified: Nov 28, 2022 · Published: Apr 20, 2016 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

    355 shares
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     This art activity is one that I re-purposed from my teaching days. Years ago, when I did this Tape Resist Art with Watercolors with elementary-aged kids, I used blue painter's tape. I didn't have any blue painters tape the day I did this, so I improvised and used masking tape.  I figured maybe it would stick a little more but it wouldn't be too bad.  It stuck a lot but was still workable.  If you plan on using these as art, you would want to use the painter's tape for sure.  But for my purposes, the masking tape worked, though it tore the top layer off of some of the paper. Enjoy making this fun watercolor art! For more watercolor fun, be sure to try this Drip Watercolor Painting.

    Tape Resist Art with Watercolors - Such a fun way to paint with little ones!

    Tape Resist Art with Watercolors

    Supplies you will need: 

    • White paper (I just used copy paper)
    •  Tape - masking tape or blue painters tape (recommended)
    • Watercolor paints
    • Brushes
    • Water

    Before the activity, use your tape to make whatever shapes or designs you wish on the paper.  I started out with a triangle and square and then moved on to some lines, and  finally my favorite, the checkerboard pattern.  Don't worry about being too exact with any of these.  The end result will be cool no matter how straight the lines or perfect the shape.  I promise!

    paper with masking tape

    paper with masking tape

    paper with masking tape

    I gave the kids the taped paper and some watercolors and encouraged them to to paint over the tape. .

    watercolor painting

    One of my twins has so much fun that she did not want to stop after she was done. Normally, I never want to shut down my kid's creativity, but my daughter kept on painting the same spot on the paper over and over again and I knew that soon a hole would form in the paper.  I asked her if she wanted to paint a new paper but she was adamant and kept painting.

    child painting

    You know how sometimes it's better to let your child do their own thing and learn a lesson? This was one of those times. After a little longer, my daughter was done painting her shapes.  Here are her results, holes and all.

    tape resist art

    My daughter's checkerboard pattern.

    tape resist art

    When the paint dries, just remove the tape to unveil the artwork underneath. I just love the finished Tape Resist Art with Watercolors!  I mentioned earlier that it was tricky to get the regular masking tape off in spots, and that I would use painter's tape in the future.  You can't see it in the photos, but in a couple of spots, a layer of paper was taken off with the tape.  But you live and learn right?

    tape resist art

     I am going to have so much fun with this in the future.  Think of this project as a jumping off point.  There are so many possibilities about what you can do with this technique.  You can change it up in many ways depending on the age of the child.  I have seen people do their child's name in tape so when they peeled it off they had a pretty name painting.  You can do various shapes, letters, numbers, and patterns depending on what you are teaching and learning.  Experiment! You are only limited by your imagination.  And your lack of painter's tape.

    If you enjoyed this tape resist art with watercolors check out some more watercolor ideas:

    Watercolor Circle Art

    Black Glue and Salt Watercolor Rainbow

    Interested in more fun activities for kids? You'll love Green Kid Crafts, an environmentally friendly monthly craft subscription box for kids that sparks creativity.

     

    More Painting Activities

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    • Earth Day Activity
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    • Watercolor Painted Seashells
      Watercolor Painted Seashells

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Charlene @ Adventures In Mommy Land says

      November 20, 2011 at 3:30 am

      What a neat idea...going to have to try this with my boys soon.

      Thanks for sharing on Hey Mom, Look What I Did at Adventures In Mommy Land...hope to see you again soon!!

      Reply
    2. Aimee from Classified: Mom says

      November 18, 2011 at 8:59 pm

      This post makes me miss teaching art! I love how it turned out 😉 Thank you for sharing your ideas with us on The Sunday Showcase

      Reply
    3. andthatsfamily says

      November 15, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      I have done some of these with my kids here at home and in Sunday School. I actually found tempera paint worked really nicely for the younger crowd - less of a chance of making the paper too wet and making a hole (though some still managed to). I love the look of the water colour patterns though - definitely using them next time with my bigger kids!

      Reply
    4. Liberty says

      November 14, 2011 at 10:15 pm

      Great idea!! I can't wait to try this with my little guy. Thanks for sharing! :))

      xxoo,
      Liberty
      libertyoriginal.blogspot.com

      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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