Four-year old cousins Eva Holmlund and Naomi Adams roll out crafty prints using rolling pins covered with bubble wrap and string.

Roll out a rainy-day art project with kids using an unlikely printing tool: a rolling pin. Budding artists won’t forget the fun of creating oodles of poster-paint prints of patterns and graphic designs on construction paper, cardstock (for a snazzy set of stationery) or even on the walls of a cardboard playhouse.

This clever printing technique isn’t just for kids, so get in on the creating, too. Add some artsy touches to your home by rolling out acrylic paint on fabric for one-of-a-kind designs. Think of all the possibilities — table runners, placemats or pillows to toss on your couch to brighten it up for spring.

Here’s the stuff you need for printing on paper:

• standard rolling pin (toy rolling pins work well for small hands)
• thin cardboard, grocery-store bag or plastic wrap to cover and protect the rolling pin
• scissors
• tape
• self-adhesive craft foam for making shapes
• pencil

• household items such as twine, string, rubber bands, bubble wrap, etc., for designs
• Paper for printing. (Freezer and art paper on rolls works well for big projects)
• Poster paint
• Paper plate or tray
• small paintbrush

Here’s the fun:

1. Leaving handles exposed, cut cardboard, bag or plastic wrap to cover rolling pin. Secure tightly with tape.
2. Attach shapes and designs

For foam sheet printing: Draw shapes and alphabet letters on the foam sheet using a pencil. Cut out, peel off the paper, and press on the covered rolling pin, keeping in mind how designs will be printed on the paper. For a continuous design, attach cutouts close together. Alphabet letters must be affixed backward. (If you only have plain foam sheets, use household glue on the backside and let dry completely.)

For household item printing: Wind household string or twine tightly around the rolling pin. The rounds may be close or far apart. Tape ends in place. Or, attach rubber bands around the rolling pin however you wish. You also could wrap bubble wrap around the rolling pin and tape in place.

3. Pour a puddle of paint on plate or tray, and spread it around with the brush. Roll the pin in the paint to coat shapes and designs, then roll on the paper.

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Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.”

© 2017 Donna Erickson

Distributed by King Features Syndicate