Nature and art collide in this beautiful “snowy day” tissue paper art project. Simple enough for kids of all ages, this colorful process art project uses bleeding tissue paper and snow to create vibrant one-of-a-kind paintings. It’s the perfect winter art activity for home, school, or community programs.
Related: How to Paint with Ice
How to Make Tissue Paper Art with Snow
This creative winter art project is incredibly bright, fun, and easy for kids and adults of all ages. For best results, use bleeding tissue paper which is designed to bleed and spread color when wet.
If you don’t have bleeding tissue paper, you could try using crepe paper, but it may not be as colorful.
Supplies Needed for Snowy Day Tissue Paper Art
- Bleeding tissue paper
- Scissors
- Watercolor paper
- Snow or water-filled spray bottle
- Tray
Directions for Tissue Paper Art
1. Cut the bleeding tissue paper into small shapes, such as squares or circles, with scissors.
2. Spread the tissue paper squares onto the watercolor paper. If you plan on bringing the tissue paper outside, secure each square with a small dot of water so they don’t blow away.
3. Take the paper outside or bring the snow inside. If it is snowing, allow the snow to gently fall on top of the paper. If it is not actively snowing, sprinkle a small amount of snow on top of the paper.
Light, fluffy snow tends to work best!
4. Bring the snow-covered paper indoors and place the paper on a tray. As the snow melts, the dye from the tissue paper will “bleed” into the watercolor paper, leaving behind a vibrant wash of color.
Kids love to watch the colors swirl together as the snow melts!
Tip: If you live in a warmer climate and don’t have snow, spray the tissue paper squares with water.
5. Allow the tissue paper and watercolor paper to dry completely.
6. When both papers are dry, gently brush away the tissue paper.
7. If desired, mount your tissue paper art on a piece of colored paper with double-sided tape.
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How to Make Tissue Paper Art with Snow
Nature and art collide in this beautiful “snowy day” tissue paper art project. Simple enough for kids of all ages, this colorful process art project uses bleeding tissue paper and snow to create vibrant one-of-a-kind paintings.
Materials
- Bleeding tissue paper
- Scissors
- Watercolor paper
- Snow or water-filled spray bottle
- Tray
Instructions
1. Cut the bleeding tissue paper into small shapes, such as squares or circles, with scissors.
2. Spread the tissue paper squares onto the watercolor paper. If you plan on bringing the tissue paper outside, secure each square with a small dot of water so they don’t blow away.
3. Take the paper outside or bring the snow inside. If it is snowing, allow the snow to gently fall on top of the paper. If it is not actively snowing, sprinkle a small amount of snow on top of the paper.
4. Bring the snow-covered paper indoors and place the paper on a tray. As the snow melts, the dye from the tissue paper will “bleed” into the watercolor paper, leaving behind a vibrant wash of color.
5. Allow the tissue paper and watercolor paper to dry completely.
6. When both papers are dry, gently brush away the tissue paper.
7. If desired, mount your tissue paper art on a piece of colored paper with double-sided tape.
Notes
Light, fluffy snow tends to work best!
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tanya says
How fun, and what a great way to make the best of the weather. We don’t have snow here but I might have to find a way to make this works somehow. Great idea 🙂
Rana says
Would this work with a spray bottle maybe?
Melissa Lennig says
Yup. It’s water that activates the tissue paper.
Christina @There's Just One Mommy says
What a fun activity for a snowy day. And i love how the colors remind me that spring will soon be here!
Hilary says
Will this work with regular tissue paper?
Melissa Lennig says
Yes, certain colors. I’ve had trouble with the color pink bleeding with some brands of tissue paper. You will get more vibrant colors with bleeding tissue paper.
Kathy says
Where do you purchase the bleeding tissue paper ? Never heard of it.
Melissa Lennig says
There is a link to Amazon in the list of supplies.
Dianne says
Can you use something other than watercolor paper?
Melissa Lennig says
Sure. Try regular white construction paper. Watercolor paper just holds dyes/watercolors beautifully!
Jackie says
How long do yoy leave the tiddue paper on before peeling it off? Until it dries?
Melissa Lennig says
Yes, until it dries.
Audrey says
I just tried this with regular red, blue, yellow, green tissue paper and it didn’t work.:-(
Melissa Lennig says
Yep, not all brands of tissue paper will work. Best to get the bleeding tissue paper! If you really want to try it with something you can grab locally, you may have better luck with crepe paper.
Debbie Drudge says
Where do you buy bleeding tissue paper?
Melissa Lennig says
I have always bought it from Amazon. There is a link in the list of directions.
Erika says
Have you ever done it on a canvas?
Melissa Lennig says
No, I have never tried that.
Carrie says
Love this idea but I can’t get it to work! Is watercolor paper like the paper used for finger painting? Tried tissue and crepe with no result
Melissa Lennig says
Not all regular tissue paper and crepe paper will work. You need to use the bleeding tissue paper that is shared in the list of supplies. Watercolor paper is simply paper that absorbs and distributes watercolors well. It can be purchased at any art supply store.
Deanna says
We tried this and it did not work. We must not of had bleeding tissue paper. We also tried crepe paper. It worked some but not as bright and beautiful as the pictures that was shown on here.
Melissa Lennig says
I used and recommend bleeding tissue paper.
Christie Episcopio says
Can you use fake snow for this craft
Melissa Lennig says
I think that depends on your definition of fake snow. If by “fake snow” you mean shaved ice (the kind you would use for snowcones) then yes. If you mean the plastic stuff you buy at the store, then no. The bleeding tissue paper is activated by water, so if you don’t have snow or shaved ice, you could use a spray bottle filled with water. Good luck!