Kids Craft: Tissue Painted Canvas

Materials needed for this project:

• Blank canvas
• Tissue paper*
• Water
• Water brush
• Protective gloves

How to make a Tissue-painted canvas

*This craft requires bleeding art tissue instead of regular wrapping tissue. This specialty tissue can be found in craft stores. This project can be completed freehand with scissors or more structured with paper punches.

Step 1

With scissors, cut up bleeding art tissue into random shapes.

With punches you will need to feed multiple sheets of tissue paper through the punch at the same time. Single sheets of tissue are too soft to punch alone. You can also feed a sheet of printer paper through with the tissue. Punches work well with older children, or for younger children you can punch the shapes ahead of time.

Step 2

Paint the canvas with water fairly evenly.

Using a sponge brush or similar tool, get the surface of your canvas wet with water.

Step 2

Paint the canvas with water fairly evenly.

Using a sponge brush or similar tool, get the surface of your canvas wet with water.

Step 3

Layer the tissue paper shapes randomly covering the wet canvas.

A paper shape punch can help create a geometric, repetitive design. For a layered, color blended design, trying cutting strips of different colors and overlapping them.

Pro Tip!

The tissue paper will bleed onto your hands. Using protective gloves will prevent stained fingers!

Step 4

Once you have your paper on, you have two options for a finish.

Letting the tissue paper dry completely (sample on bottom right photo) will reveal a solid pattern. If, however, you would like your painting to have a softer feel, use your paint brush and add more water to the top of the papers. This will create a more diluted result (sample on bottom left photo).