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Indoor activity

Bubble Art Prints

Blow colourful bubbles in paint and press paper onto them to capture beautiful circular patterns. Every print is a totally unique piece of art!

Ages 3-6 0-1 hours Education 5/10

Materials

  • Paper
  • Poster Paint
  • Small Containers
  • Straws
  • Washing-up Liquid

Illustrated Steps

1

Mix Your Bubble Paint

Stir poster paint, washing-up liquid, and water in a small container until the colour is fully dissolved. Make one container per colour.

2

Blow a Bubble Mountain

Place a straw into the mixture and blow steadily until a dome of colourful bubbles rises above the container rim.

3

Capture the Print

Press a sheet of paper flat onto the bubble dome, hold for two seconds, then lift to reveal a circular print pattern.

4

Build Your Gallery

Rinse and swap colours. Try overlapping prints from different colours for a layered rainbow effect.

What You’ll Create

Imagine dipping your finger in a rainbow and leaving its mark on paper! 🫧✨ In this activity you’ll mix runny paint with washing-up liquid, blow until a colourful mountain of bubbles forms, then gently press paper over the top to capture a totally unique circular print. No two bubble prints are ever the same — and that’s the magic!

Have fun!

  • 🎨 Mix red and yellow paint into the same container — what colour do your bubbles make?
  • 🌈 Overlap two prints with different colours for a totally unique pattern.
  • 📸 Take a photo of each print before it dries — compare the circles!
  • 🖼️ Cut out the best circles and use them as wrapping paper for a gift.

Why It’s Amazing

  • Colour Science: Children discover how colours blend and change when mixed — real chemistry! 🔬
  • Breath Control: Blowing steadily through a straw builds the breathing muscles used in speech and music. 🎵
  • Fine Motor Skills: Pressing the paper flat without popping the bubbles requires gentle hand control. ✋
  • Creative Confidence: Every print is different and beautiful — there are no mistakes in bubble art! 🌟

Pro Tips

For ages 3–4: Mix the paint for them and supervise the straw closely. Use shallow containers so bubbles are easier to reach with paper.

For ages 4–6: Let them mix their own colours from primary paints. Ask: “What will happen if we add more washing-up liquid?”

Supervision note: Always remind children to blow OUT only — never suck in — through the straw.