Suface Design: Bleach Stamping!

Stamping with bleach is a fun and simple activity for young artists. When the bleach hits the fabric, the stamped image slowly reveals itself, like a real-live magic trick! 

To set-up, I created my own bleach stamp pads using scrap felt, rubber bands, and plastic containers.  I folded about 6 layers of felt together and secured with rubber bands.  I placed them in the plastic containers and added enough bleach to soak the felt, but not fill the container.  

For my adult/child class I gave families the option to wear gloves and had wipes available, however, there was very little mess involved! 

After each artist was done with their shirt, I rinsed them out under cold water, and they were ready for the washing machine at home.  Students grades 1st-3rd really enjoyed this activity and spent a lot of time filling their entire shirts front and back with stamps.  

I also experimented with this surface design technique, creating a pattern using a single stamp.  There are definately some possibilities here for further projects!