Sandpaper Monoprints

Sandpaper monoprints are a super cool technique that will keep your kids busy. Grab a t-shirt, sandpaper, and crayons and you are ready to create a work of art.

Here some more fun indoor crafts and activities. My kids especially love making slime and playdough.

Sandpaper Print Supplies

Crayons – good quality so they have lots of color
T-shirt, – we found ours at the dollar store
Fine sandpaper – our package of sandpaper had a selection and we used the finest. The more coarse sandpaper will provide more texture. Give them all a try!
cardboard
parchment paper or paper towel
iron

How to Make Sandpaper Monoprints

Color a fun design on the sandpaper. Remind children that the image will be reversed.

Once the design is colored, go back over the design giving the sandpaper an extra thick layer of crayon.

Place cardboard inside the t-shirt to keep the design from bleeding through to the back of the shirt. Position the sandpaper right side down on the t-shirt.

Place a piece of parchment paper or paper towel on top of the sandpaper to protect the iron. Iron, on cotton setting, the sandpaper for about 30 seconds. Gently lift one edge and make sure you have a good print before totally removing the sandpaper. Iron a bit more if you need to transfer more of the crayon.

Remove the sandpaper. You’ll have a monoprint with loads of cool texture–not to mention a new darling t-shirt.

To set the color, place a couple of paper towels on top and iron. This will remove some of the extra wax. Toss t-shirt in the dryer for about 20 minutes to set the color. Launder by itself the first time.

What is a monoprint?

Monoprinting is a type of printmaking that you make a single print, unlike most printmaking, which allows for multiple originals. So a monoprint is one of a kind.