We love extending learning with fun crafts and unique art experiences! Perfect for the younger set who are just learning their letters or even for the older crowd who might simply enjoy exploring new art mediums and techniques, this set of printables + activities works its way through the alphabet, inviting students to explore a different art experience for each letter of the alphabet – i.e. Aa is for apple printing, Bb is for balloon painting, Cc is for circle art, etc. When bound together upon completion, your kiddos will have a colorful and unique review tool and/or art portfolio! BONUS: Because we love options, we’re attempting to give various project ideas for each letter so that you can pick and choose… or do them all!

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Ee is for Elbow Painting

While your kiddos have probably printed with their fingers, hands, and even their feet, making paint prints with their elbow will likely be a new and fun sensory art experience for them! We love that this project is simple from start to finish - it requires little in the way of prep and, because it can be completed relatively quickly, can be squeezed in at the end of a lesson without taking up too much time. We do highly recommend having damp paper towels on hand to limit the mess. Students can wipe excess paint off their elbow in-between prints/colors, then can do a final, more thorough clean-up at the end of the project!

Project notes...

• If you dip your elbow in multiple colors, the paint swirls to make a fun print.
• You can make different size prints depending upon the amount of pressure you apply.
• Printing with your elbow requires a bit more concentration and coordination than printing with your hands/feet. Invite students to use more controlled movements. Remind your students that they don't want to get their whole arm in the paint so they'll have to pay attention and feel how far they're dipping their elbow in the paint since they won't be able to see it.

Ee is for Egg Carton Printing

One thing we love about egg carton printing is that there are many different ways you can approach the project! We decided to leave the activity open-ended, but you can just as easily provide your little artists with a bit of direction...

Project variations...

• Experiment with different printing techniques - i.e. printing with an up and down motion will create distinct prints of the bottom of each egg cup whereas rubbing the paint dipped egg cartons onto the paper will result in less precise prints/a more 'feathered' look, etc.
• Create prints of both the bottom and top of the egg cup, examining how the prints differ.
• Use scissors to cut different designs into the egg cups - i.e. fringe the edges of the cup, cut a scalloped edge, etc. - and see how the prints differ from each other.
• Have students use markers or other graphic art tools to turn the prints into a new creature/drawing.
• Provide students with an already started drawing and invite them to finish it with the egg carton prints - i.e. have them start with a tree trunk+branches and invite them to add fall 'leaves', invite them to draw stems and leaves and have them create 'flowers', etc.

However you decide to approach the project, we know your kiddos will have a blast! Get started on your own ABC Art portfolio with these FREE activity sheets: