Shamrock Bleeding Tissue Paper Art for St. Patrick's Day

While I was brainstorming another St. Patrick's Day craft, I came across this bleeding art technique using tissue paper.  We always have lots of tissue paper kicking around, so I thought it would be a great technique to try out.  But, of course, with a St. Patrick's Day spin!

Simple St. Patrick's Day Process Art Idea for Kids

Here's what you'll need for this simple process art craft:

• Green tissue paper - All from my recycled tissue paper collection.
• Water
• Foam paint brushes
• Large paper shamrock - Hand-drawn on some easel paper.

I taped the paper to the floor since easel paper has the tendency to roll up.  I laid the paint brushes and the cup of water next to it.  There was also a basket full of ripped tissue paper, which the boys helped to rip up into small strips and pieces.

The bleeding art technique goes as follows:

• Paint some water onto the paper
• Place some tissue paper onto the watered areas
• Paint the tissue paper with more water
• Let the finished painting dry completely (Ours dried out over night)
• Remove the tissue paper from the painting

The idea is to cover the tissue paper completely so that the color bleeds out onto the paper.

J dumped out all the remaining water onto the art project, so it got pretty wet, but here's how it looked after the "painting" stage:

As I mentioned, I left the "painting" to dry over night.  Then it was time to remove the tissue paper.

When all of the tissue paper was removed, we were left with some beautiful colors on the shamrock.

I cut out the final product and J wanted to hang it on the mirror in our dining room, as seen below.

I love how simple this craft was and the results are so cool.  Both boys could easily participate in this craft, which is another bonus.

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Pot of Gold Fine Motor Sensory Play

Easy Shamrock Suncatcher Craft

St. Patrick's Day Sensory Bin