Balloon Print Art for Preschoolers

It’s no secret that most preschoolers love balloons. A birthday party must-have, the hero of relay races, or as a decoration, balloons add brightness and smiles to little faces. Adding paint doubles the fun! This balloon print art is a versatile, simple, and engaging art project that students love.

This easy balloon print art project allows preschoolers to enjoy the process of painting while creating a beautiful project in a unique way. Whether the balloon print art is used to make planets, caterpillars, or even just freeform abstract designs, this process art project is bound to be a favorite in the classroom!

Setting Up Balloon Print Art

This project only requires a few simple items, and many of them can be swapped out depending on the classroom’s needs and budget. All that is needed is:

• balloons (check for latex allergies before doing this project!)
• acrylic paint
• heavy cardstock or canvas
• paper plates

That’s it – just four easy-to-find items!

First, protect the table with a shower curtain, inexpensive plastic tablecloth, or newspaper.

Then, pour paint onto the paper plates. Put two to three colors on the same plate for a swirled effect.

Next, inflate the balloons just big enough for little hands to handle easily. Different sizes can add interesting aspects.

Students press the balloon into the paint and then stamp it onto the paper. If the final project is going to be on canvas, it can help to have the students practice on paper or cardstock first while they get a feel for the process.

Encouraging Process Art

Process art gives students the freedom to think creatively, be independent, and take responsible risks.

By participating in open-ended art activities, students use critical thinking skills. They gain confidence while exploring their ideas and the possibilities of the art materials. And most importantly, kids experiment, make mistakes, test, and try again.

Here’s what NAEYC has to say about process art with young children.

Here are a few ways to encourage open-ended art-making:

• Offer a variety of art supplies so students can independently choose colors and materials.
• Engage with the students at the art center, but resist the urge to guide the project to look a certain way.
• Encourage students to come and go as they please.
• Be playful with the art making process. Make some art alongside the students!

There are so many ways to use this activity – which is good since students ask to do it again and again!

Use the balloon print art for:

• Planets for a space unit
• Making a bumpy caterpillar
• Tie-Dye patterns (See The Artful Parent for details)
• Use blue and green for a lovely Earth day project
• White, blue, and glitter on blue paper can make it look like lovely snowballs or snowmen

More Fun Art Projects

All out of balloons? Don’t worry; there are many more process art projects to choose from! Some other similar projects include:

• Let the sunshine in with this easy Sunshine Process Art Project!
• Blocks make amazing prints too – try this process.
• Here’s printmaking with a spring twist.