Let’s think about art supplies you might have at home. Have you ever wondered how people, teachers, and KIDS make those really cool Coffee Filter Art projects? It’s actually not very hard. We’ve made them for years, sometimes we turn them into turkeys and peacocks. I just LOVE this cool color mixing process. If you don’t have coffee filters, go ahead and try something similar with paper towels. You can see how we colored them BEFORE (left) and AFTER (right). They are a fun, inexpensive craft and really WOW children!
Supplies for Coffee Filter Art:
- Coffee filters (click here)
- Crayola Markers: Classic Colors or Extreme Colors
- newspaper
- disposable gloves
- water spray bottle (optional, pictures on page 3 showcase all of the steps without a water bottle)
Click HERE for Teacher / Large Group Tips
Jump ahead: Steps #1-6 for Coffee Filter Tie Dye
Color Mixing Tips for Tie Dye Coffee Filters:
- We found that the tie-dye effect looks best when brown and black are not used.
- Light colors usually show up best when they are used in the center or on the edge.
- The way you color is up to you, but large areas of color seems to transfer and blend best.
- On our turkey we used earth tone (red, green, orange) colors.
- For our peacock, we used cooler tones (blue, purple, yellow, green).
How To Dye Coffee Filters:
- Use Crayola Markers. Bright colors are best. Patterns look great (see above). Best markers: Classic Colors or Extreme Colors
- You only need to color half of the filter to get awesome results.
- After coloring, fold the filter in half and half again until it’s a wedge shape.
- Making more than one? Wear gloves or the marker ink will stain your hands.
- Don’t use too much water or the colors will be diluted.
Want step by step directions with pictures? Click NEXT below.
(Visited 486,749 times, 7 visits today)
We are a lot of volunteers as well as opening a innovative scheme in this community. Your web site provided us with helpful info to work for. You’ve performed a formidable job plus our whole community will be grateful to your.
I enjoyed your site many good ideal
THANK YOU! I’m an elementary teacher at our Christian Academy and our “STEM” teacher is looking for any projects to do with the children. You have been immensely helpful, and I can’t wait to let her know about your website.Thank you again!
What a kind compliment Fay! I hope you’re able to find some good ideas.
This sucks its the worst like horrible
Can you tell me how long it takes for the craft to dry? In a 2 hour program, can we get this done?
Hi Correne – Good question! I usually make the coffee filters one day, dry and finish the next day. I always put them on newspaper, but if it was a sunny day they might dry faster outside.
Do you put the whole filter into water? How long?
Hello! There are 2 ways. I just usually put the tip of the folded filter in the water and then draw the water through with my fingers. I’ve also seen people lay it flat on newspaper and spritz with water. The marker will stain, so keep that it mind!
I use coffee filter art lots with my 2 1/2 year old children;spray it with squirt bottle and leave on newspaper about three hours. Works great. Thank you for the art tips.
That’s awesome!
Does it have to be crayola markers? Does it work with sharpies or other markers?
I’m a big believer in Crayola for all.the.things! 🙂 It would imagine it would work with just about any water based marker, except for Sharpie since they are permanent. Good luck!
Sharpie might work if instead of water you used isopropal alcohol. That wouldn’t be as kid friendly though, since it stinks.
Sharpies actually work too if you use rubbing alcohol instead of water! I haven’t tried with regular markers before.
Have you ever used tissue paper? I dont have coffee filters. Just thought I’d ask before I give it a try.
Hi there! I have not. I don’t think it would work with this process, but I think paper towels might work! Good luck and let me know what you decide to do.
You can get coffee filters at most grocery stores for about a dollar.
Another thing is after you paint wipe the access paint on a paper towel then damp it let it dry after write something on it it looks the a poster preferably water colors put the paint close but not where the colors mix
Hi,
Very insightful tips, Thanks for sharing, I use it a lot with my 5 yrs old girl, lot of fun and Coffee smell 😀
Thanks Kristen
Could kids draw (with marker) a peace sign on it once it’s dried – or is cutting strips and gluing in better?