Today is the launch of “Spokane Art School – Making Art at Home” where I’ll be providing family-oriented art lessons remotely each week! The aim of this series is to make art more accessible at home, using materials you already have at hand. Each week, I’ll be introducing a new project that you can make with your kiddos and loved ones. This is a great way to take a moment to give yourself a break, creatively express yourself, and most importantly, connect with those around you.
To kicks things off, in today’s video Kinsley and I will be showing you how to make art with coffee filters. The two projects we’ll be focusing on are butterflies and nature collages, however, I’ll also provide a resource of other ideas you can pursue as well. Coffee filters are an easy material to work with, creating an endless number of projects you can make. And don’t worry, if you don’t have coffee filters, they can easily be subbed with paper towels, newspaper, or anything else you have lying around. Let’s get started ☺
How to: Coffee Filter Butterflies
Materials:
- washable markers (bonus points if you have scented)
- coffee filters
- clothespins or pipe cleaners
- water
- optional: newspaper or a cookie sheet to protect the surface you’re working on
Directions:
- Lay out your 2 coffee filters, stacked on one another and start making your designs with the markers. The denser your coloring, the more vibrant your butterflies will turn out!
- Tie-dye your wings by dripping water onto the coffee filters. Take a moment to appreciate the magical effect. Then, let your wings dry.
- Once dry, pinch the middle of your wings and secure in place with a clothespin (or pipe cleaner). Pipe cleaners also make great antennas. And that’s it! Admire your fine craftsmanship and then make another, because now you’re a pro.
How to: Nature Collage
Materials:
- washable markers
- coffee filters
- paper
- glue stick
Directions:
- Brainstorm your design and cut out your base with paper. We made a tree, so we used cardstock for the trunk.
- Similar to the butterflies, lay out your coffee filter and start making your designs with the markers. The denser your coloring, the more vibrant it will turn out!
- Tie-dye your wings by dripping water onto the coffee filters.
- Cut up your coffee filters and glue onto your paper. In our case, we used the filters to make the leaves of our tree. And that’s it!
If you’re looking for more ideas using coffee filters, check out the link below. See you all next week!
All photos by Hannah Pomante
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog belong solely to the Spokane Art School Artist-in-Residence, and not necessarily to the Spokane Art School.
Special thanks to Washington Trust Bank for sponsoring this video series.
