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This technique, once you learn it, is wonderful for creating personalized papers to make one-of-a-kind cards and stationery. It's great for your older child who wants something unique for their book covers, bulletin boards, to cover a keepsake box or as a background to display favorite pictures.

What You’ll Need

old newspapers to cover your floor or other work area
plastic cups, 1 for each color
cooking oil
powdered tempera paint
plastic spoons
water
old cookie sheet with edges (to hold the water and paint/oil)
sheets of plain paper

Instructions

1. This is a messy project so get prepared first. Spread newspapers all over the floor making sure you have enough room for cookie sheet and to lay papers out to dry.

2. In each plastic cup, pour about 1/4 cup of oil and about 2 tablespoons of powdered tempera paint. Put only one color in each cup! Stir the mixture very well with a plastic spoon, and be careful not to spill!

3. Place the cookie sheet on top of the newspapers. Add a little water, just enough so the sheet of paper will float and be covered with water. Place small amounts of each color on the water in the cookie sheet. Form a pattern by gently swirling the colors with a spoon or stick.

4. Very carefully, lay a plain sheet of paper on the surface of the mixture in the pan. After a few seconds, lift the paper back up and allow the excess water and oil to drip off. Then carefully lay painted paper on top of the newspapers.

5. Leave the colored paper on top of newspapers until they dry completely.

Submitted by Leximom