A Bloomin' Beautiful Art Project for Kids
Ahhh, spring is finally here—and all I want to do is dream about beautiful blooms to plant, paint, and even DIY! 🌸 What if I told you that you could create a colorful bouquet of flowers that never wilts and doesn’t need watering? Sounds pretty intriguing, right?
This coffee filter flower project brings the magic of spring into your home or classroom using simple materials and a whole lot of creative fun. It’s process-based, sensory, and just plain beautiful. This project is perfect for children of all ages! Whether you're in the art room, classroom, or looking for a fun DIY craft to do at home with your kiddos. Or heck- maybe even for a fun craft night with your friends! This craft is a winner all around!
🌼 Materials Needed:
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White coffee filters
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Washable markers (like Crayola)
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Spray bottle filled with water
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Pipe cleaners (green preferred)
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plastic plates or wax paper (to allow wet filters to dry)
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Scissors
✂️ Instructions:
1. Color the Coffee Filters
Use washable markers to create bright, bold designs. Scribbles, dots, shapes—it’s all fair game! No need to fill every inch. Please note: I have found that Crayola Markers work best, and diffuse right away, however Mr. Sketch markers are gorgeous in color, and will diffuse while they dry, they do not "bleed" immediately when sprayed with water.
2. Cut Petal Shapes
Fold the coffee filter in half two or three times, then cut a curved line along the edge. When you unfold it, you’ll see a repeated petal shape around the filter’s circumference. You can even stack and cut multiple filters at once for layered blooms!
3. Spray with Water
Place your filter on a tray or paper towel and lightly mist with water. Watch as the colors bloom and blend like magic!
4. Let Them Dry
Set your filter aside and let it dry completely. (This is a great time to start coloring another one!) I like to have each filter on a plastic plate to easily move it to a safe space to try. The plate is also great because it not only catches the drips, but because it's plastic, the water that drips will actually reabsorb into the filter as it dries.
5. Shape Into Flowers
Once dry, pinch the center of the filter and either staple the bottom to fold it in place or twist a pipe cleaner around the base to create a stem. Gently fluff and shape the petals and then display!
🌸 Optional Enhancements:
- Instead of coloring filters with marker, try dipping the edges in food coloring or liquid watercolor paint for a more soft/ diffused look.
- You can also try coloring just the outside of the filter with marker and then placing them filter in a cup of water for a similar, soft look. Check out this tutorial from Think Blue Marble!
💕 Why I Love This Project:
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Quick and easy to prep
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Encourages color mixing and creativity
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Accessible for all ages
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The results are absolutely stunning!
Whether you’re doing this in your classroom, at home with kids, or just as a joyful springtime activity, these blooming beauties are sure to brighten your space.
If you're looking for another fun, easy and engaging art lesson for the spring, definitely check out my Printed Petals Lesson here! This is a great lesson for mother's day too!
Happy Making!
