Party in the Art Room loves printmaking with kids. Monoprinting using nib pens and ink makes this Peter Rabbit for kids art lesson extra unique and exciting!

Creating monoprints is a fun and engaging activity for elementary art students that can be done in the art room or at home. This activity not only allows students to express their creativity but also helps them develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

In addition, monoprinting is an excellent way for art teachers to introduce their students to the world of printmaking.

What Is Monoprinting?

Monoprinting is a super cool type of printmaking that lets you create unique prints without having to make a bunch of identical copies.

Instead of creating a permanent printing plate, you make your image on a surface like plexiglass or acetate paper, and then transfer it onto paper through a printing press or by hand. The best part is that you can experiment and make changes to your image with each print, so each one is totally unique.

Monoprints have a really cool texture and character that you can't get with any other type of printmaking. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked!

You might also like this Flower Monoprinting Lesson, click the button to learn more.

Materials:

• nib pens

• watercolor paper or tagboard

• printouts of Peter Rabbit and flowers

• black acrylic ink

• watercolors

• brushes

• acetate paper

• tape (masking or painters)

  
  

By following these simple steps, students can create beautiful and unique monoprints that they can be proud of. So gather your materials, get ready to paint, and let's create some stunning monoprints!

Steps:

1. Prepare your workspace: Start by laying out all of the necessary materials on a clean, flat surface. Make sure that you have watercolor paper, acetate paper, nib pens, ink, and watercolors ready to use.

2. Secure the watercolor paper: Tape the watercolor paper securely to the table using painter's tape. This will prevent the paper from moving while you work and ensure that your print turns out perfectly.

3. Attach the printout: Take the printout of your desired image and tape it to the top of the acetate paper. Make sure it is aligned correctly and flat against the acetate paper.

4. Trace the image: Using the nib pens and ink, carefully trace the image onto the acetate paper. Take your time to ensure that the lines are clean and precise.

5. Let the ink dry: Allow the ink to dry for about ten minutes before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that the ink is fully dry and won't smudge when you start adding color.

6. Add color: Once the ink is dry, it's time to add some color! Use your watercolors to fill in the image and bring it to life. Take your time and be patient – watercolor painting is all about layering and building up the colors.

7. Finish and enjoy: Once you're happy with your watercolor print, remove the tape and enjoy your beautiful work of art!

If you liked this Peter Rabbit Monoprinting Lesson, check out the Flower Monoprint lesson plan below.