"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
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How to Paint With Bleeding Tissue Paper
Bleeding tissue paper is a unique and fascinating medium that can add a beautiful watercolor-like effect to your artwork.
Unlike traditional painting methods, working with tissue paper adds an element of surprise and experimentation. The unpredictable nature of how colors bleed and blend together creates a dynamic aspect to each artwork.
We really enjoyed using bleeding tissue with our Patterned Easter Eggs and we were able to create beautiful results. If you’d like to complete this art activity, you can start by downloading the template that we used for FREE!
Just click HERE or the image below to get started.
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The Easter eggs used in this activity can be found in our Patterned Easter Egg PDF coloring book, which features 20 stunning eggs ready for you to color or embellish. You can learn more about it HERE.
Painting with bleeding tissue paper is a very simple process. All you have to do to get started is prepare your cardstock paper or chosen surface by wetting it with a clean brush and water. Then, select your desired colors of bleeding tissue paper and tear or cut them into shapes. Arrange the tissue paper pieces on the wet surface, overlapping them to create interesting blends and transitions. Use a wet brush to gently press down on the tissue paper, allowing the colors to bleed and spread onto the paper.
Let your artwork dry completely and remove the dry tissue paper to reveal the full beauty of the bleeding tissue paper effect. Feel free to add additional details or embellishments using other art mediums as desired.
That’s just a quick overview of the process but for a more in depth explanation, with images, check out our step by step bleeding tissue paper tutorial below!
Why is Bleeding Tissue Paper Great for Art Projects?
Bleeding tissue paper is a fantastic medium for artists of all levels, offering a range of unique benefits that contribute to its popularity and appeal. You can take a look at how we used bleeding tissue paper in this adorable penguin craft to create a super cool effect.
Here are several reasons why bleeding tissue paper is great for creative projects:
- Vibrant Colors: Bleeding tissue paper comes in a wide array of vibrant and intense colors. These colors bleed and blend beautifully when wet, creating stunning watercolor-like effects on paper surfaces.
- Easy to Use: This medium is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require advanced artistic skills to achieve impressive results. It’s a great option for children, art students, and hobbyists who want to experiment with color and texture.
- Versatile Techniques: Bleeding tissue paper allows for various techniques, including layering colors, creating gradients, using resist methods, and combining with other mediums like watercolor paints or markers. This versatility encourages artists to explore and innovate.
- Unique Textures: When the tissue paper colors bleed onto the paper surface, they often create unique textures and patterns that add depth and visual interest to the artwork. These textures can mimic natural elements like water, clouds, or foliage.
- No Mess Cleanup: Unlike traditional paints or inks, bleeding tissue paper is relatively mess-free. It doesn’t require extensive cleanup or special equipment, making it convenient for art projects at home, in classrooms, or outdoor settings.
- Cost-Effective: Bleeding tissue paper is an affordable art supply, making it accessible to a wide range of artists and budget-conscious individuals. It’s available in packs with assorted colors, allowing for plenty of creative possibilities without breaking the bank.
How do you know if you have bleeding tissue paper?
You can determine if you have bleeding tissue paper by checking the packaging or label. Bleeding tissue paper is specifically designed to release color when it comes into contact with water, creating a bleeding effect similar to watercolors. Here are a few indicators to look for:
- Labeling: Check the packaging or label of the tissue paper. It will typically mention “bleeding” or “bleed-resistant” properties. Some brands may specifically advertise their tissue paper as suitable for bleeding techniques in arts and crafts.
- Water Test: If you’re unsure about the tissue paper’s bleeding properties, you can conduct a simple water test. Wet a small piece of the tissue paper with water using a brush or spray bottle. If the colors start to bleed and spread on the wet surface, then you have bleeding tissue paper.
- Observing Color Transfer: When using the tissue paper for art projects, observe how the colors behave when they come into contact with water or other wet mediums. Bleeding tissue paper will release its colors, allowing them to blend and create watercolor-like effects on the paper surface.
If you’re unsure about whether or not your tissue paper has bleeding properties, you can take a look at the brand that we used in this craft for best results. You can find it HERE.
Here are a few other activities that you’re going to love:
Our Zentangle course is here!
Are you trying to find ways to incorporate self-care and creativity into your life? Would you like to introduce the Zentangle Method to your children or students but you’re not sure how?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you’re going to love our new course. If you haven’t had a chance yet to watch the course overview video, check it out below!
How to Paint With Tissue Paper - Easter Craft Step by Step
Appropriate for Children Ages 6 and up
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 2 X60 minute block (included drying time)
Materials:
- White Cardstock Paper
- Bleeding Tissue Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colored cardstock or paper for your background
- Paint brush
- Water
- 2 Free Patterned Eggs
Instructions:
Step 1 – Print your patterned Easter egg coloring pages
We printed our patterned eggs onto 8 ½ x 11” white cardstock. You can use regular paper as well but the cardstock will be more durable, since we’ll be adding water to our surface.
Step 2 – Prepare your bleeding tissue paper
After you’ve gathered your materials, choose a few pieces of bleeding tissue paper that you’d like to use for your patterned eggs. You can choose light pastel colors, cool colors or any color combination that you’d like. We used colors that reminded us of Spring and Easter!
Cut your bleeding tissue paper into strips and then into squares. You can experiment with different sizes.
Step 3 - Wet a small section of your patterned eggs
Dip your paintbrush into water and apply a thin layer of water to a section of your patterned eggs.
Step 4 – Apply your bleeding tissue paper
Place a few pieces of bleeding tissue paper onto the wet sections of your patterned eggs. Once you’re satisfied with the placement of the tissue paper, lightly apply water on top of your bleeding tissue paper with your paintbrush.
The water will activate the paper’s bleeding properties, causing the colors to spread and blend together. Be careful not to oversaturate the tissue paper; a thin layer of water is usually enough.
Don’t worry about staying within the lines, you’ll be cutting out your patterned eggs in a later step.
Step 5 – Let dry
Set your patterned eggs aside and allow it to dry for a few hours.
Step 6 - Remove the dry tissue paper
The tissue paper will become lighter once it’s dry. Gently peel the tissue paper off the patterned eggs and discard.
As you remove the tissue paper, you’ll reveal a beautiful and unexpected pattern that perfectly complements your patterned eggs. You’ll notice areas with delicate blending and other sections displaying bold colors. Even if you completed this activity with a group of students, no two results would be the same!
Step 7 – Cut out your patterned eggs
We decided to cut out our eggs and place them on a black background. I love how vibrant the colors look against the black but feel free to use any background color of your choice.
Painting with tissue paper is a delightful journey that unlocks your creativity and allows you to express yourself in unique ways. I hope that you enjoyed creating this craft and experimenting with bleeding tissue paper as much as we did. If you’d like to take a look at all 20 of our patterned eggs, just click HERE.
If you’ve tried this bleeding tissue paper activity with your kids or students, please let me know! I’d love to add your creations to our gallery, so upload your photos or send them directly to me at: [email protected] Thank you!
You can also tag us if you post your masterpieces on Instagram or Facebook.
We have several other activities that you and your kids will also love:
Looking for even more cool activities? You might be interested in our reverse coloring books! Click HERE to check them all out.
If you love Zentangle designs as much as we do, you’re going to love our Zentangle pyramid activity. Click HERE to check it out or click on the images below.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for more activities designed to encourage mindfulness and spark creativity, check out my printable resources below or visit my shop!
Don’t forget to download our free 15 page Mindfulness coloring book to help add a few mindful moments to your child’s day. Just click here or the image below!
