• Water-based ink or paint (acrylic or tempra)
• Heavy styrofoam plates or styrofoam take-out containers (the thicker the better)
• Paper for printing the picture
• Sketching paper and pencils
• Ballpoint pens
• Small foam paint rollers
• Scissors
• Table covering like newspaper or plastic tablecloth
• Copy of a completed EXAMPLE to show the group

What is relief printing?

In the relief process, the artist carves away the area of the picture he doesn't want to print, leaving only the image area raised. The ink/paint is applied to the surface with a roller. The carved away areas don't receive any ink/paint and, therefore, won't appear on the finished print.

Step-by-step directions:

1. Cut a flat piece of styrofoam from a styrofoam plate or take-out container.

2. Cut a piece of sketching paper the size of the styrofoam and sketch out a design. It can be a flower, scene, simple circles, or whatever you want. Begin with something simple for your first project. Note: Don't use words or numbers because they will print backwards.

3. Place the sketch on the piece of styrofoam and trace the design with a ballpoint pen, so the design appears on the styrofoam. Remove the paper and trace over the design again, pressing hard enough to make clear indentations.
   

4. Put some paint on a clean styrofoam plate and roll the foam paint roller through the paint until it makes the sound of Velcro being pulled apart. Note: Don't use too much paint or it will run into the design.
   

5. Roll the paint roller lightly across the surface of the styrofoam drawing. The paint should remain on the surface and all of the indentations should remain paint free.

6. Press a piece of paper firmly on top of the painted styrofoam surface. Gently remove the paper and you have a relief print!
   

7. Once completely dry, trim if necessary, frame, and hang it on a wall to enjoy.

Suggestions & Other Uses

• Save your styrofoam template and print several copies of your design.
• Use thicker pieces of styrofoam from a hardware store. You can make deeper indentations, which can result in clearer prints.
• Experiment with different colors.
• Use relief printmaking to make some great cards and stationery.

Adult Coloring Resources

For more coloring pages, check out:

Designs for Coloring

The Designs for Coloring series provides hours of enjoyment with themed books that appeal to a more sophisticated eye. From moderate to complex designs, there's plenty here to entertain a discriminating "palette." Pages are perfect for colored pencils, wax pencils, and even thick enough for watercolors.

For other arts, check out the "Arts & Crafts" section of Activity Basket.