Ocean Creatures with a Tissue Twist
- Hope Creek Studios
- Jun 27
- 1 min read
K–3 Printmaking: Check out our styrofoam printmaking ocean creatures—a favorite around here. It’s one of those projects where students are just mesmerized by the process. There’s something magical about watching their designs come to life on paper after a roll of the brayer.
Let’s be real though—printmaking can be a beast in the classroom. It’s time-consuming, and if you’re not careful, that ink starts going everywhere. I always do it one student at a time, and I’m right there at the inking station to keep it under control. When you get into it, they will too, so I build the hype and keep the pace moving so everyone gets their moment at the press.
We stick to standard foam plates for our prints, but added a little twist this time. First, students created tissue paper ocean backgrounds—layering cool blues, sea greens, and soft purples for that under-the-sea effect. Then they printed multiple fish over the top using their carved plates. It’s a great mix of background + focal point, and each piece ends up with depth, movement, and a splash of personality.
Why it works: This lesson is packed with process and patience, which is so good for early learners. It introduces printmaking basics in a manageable, low-pressure way. The tissue paper background sets the stage while the styrofoam printing adds that extra wow factor. Students get to explore texture, layering, and repetition, and it all comes together in a project that feels special, handmade, and truly theirs. Plus, they LOVE pulling that print—every time.
©HOPECREEKSTUDIOS2025
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