Make a Marbled Art Paper Print of the American Flag

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One of my favorite parts of my Montessori training was the art portion. Not only did I learn a ton of process art activities for preschoolers, but I also got to do the activities! How lucky am I?  Recently, we created an American Flag with marbled paper. 

Marbled paper is known for a vibrant design as a result. So, creating an American Flag certainly required a bit of constraint. Once we created our flag, however, we made more marbled paper with gorgeous, creative designs.

Kids absolutely love this art activity. The result is beautiful (albeit the process is a bit messy and that is ok!).  A super fun addition to a 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Veteran’s Day themed unit.

Make a Marbled Paper Art Print of the American Flag

Art Materials Used

• White cardstock
• Shaving foam
• Liquid watercolor or food coloring
• Scissors or paper cutter to cut the cardstock
• Tray
• Drying rack (like the one you use for baking) is super handy

Steps to Take to Make Marbled Paper

• Cut your cardstock to a size you’d like 
• Cover the tray (mostly) with the shaving foam 
• Add your American flag color design using a squirt bottle or dropper
• Use a brush to smooth out foam and colors
• Add stars to your flag (although it would be nice to be completely strict about placement and number of stars, I advise you to let it go, especially when working with kids!)
• Press the paper flat onto the foam
• Lift and allow time to dry
• Admire your creation & consider extensions to this activity

Marbled Paper Extension Ideas

• Make a Fourth of July night scene. Use black construction paper as the background and paper hole punch stars from your marbled paper
• Create a string of stars using the marbled paper and hang it in your classroom or playroom
• Design greeting cards & sell at a school function to raise funds
• Make bookmarks as gifts for family, friends, & teachers

Before I go, I’d like to say one thing – this art activity will not produce an exact replica of the American flag. Give kids a poetic license. Allow them to be creative with the concept, which lays the foundation for the activity.