Printmaking Projects For Every Age

You can't deny the magic of printmaking.

I've taught K-12 and there isn't a grade that doesn't love printing. After a quick survey, my Art 4 students had no memory of doing printing of any kind, and since more than half of my class is remote this year, I made a video that covers a full range of techniques. We are workshopping our way through them all, and they will pick their favorite for their assignment. 

K-1

Your youngest students are more than capable of collagraphs and simple rubbings. Students with poor motor skills may need to start with texture plates and peeled crayons prior to staring collagraphs.

Stamping is also an excelled option for this age group. Advanced students may be able to use cookie cutters to create simple styrofoam plates for rubbings.

2-4

Advanced stamping or stamping as mixed media will be a delightful option for these students.

Elementary students who have mastered the basics of printmaking are able to create marker prints and some basic monoprinting methods. They can be very successful with foam printing plates, carved with a dull pencil.

5-8

Middle School students are able to carve simple plates and stamps. Some students can be trusted to carve linoleum blocks at this age. Substituting with an eraser is a popular choice for many middle school art teachers.

Middle Schoolers are able to complete more advanced monoprinting techniques and may ready to safely handle fragile gelli plates . Marker prints with more detail are still appropriate and enjoyed at this age.

9-12

High school students who have been previously exposed to a range of printmaking processes may be able to handle serigraphy, rust printing and reduction prints requiring advanced registration.

What are your favorite printmaking projects and what age group do you teach? If you're looking for printmaking clip art like the images used in this post for your own illustrated directions or word wall, you can find some here.