People have been making prints for centuries. The art of printmaking dates back to ancient times. The Chinese, Japanese, Egyptians, and Sub-Saharan Africans are among the earliest pioneers, printing on papyrus, rice paper, caves, and their own bodies. Here are some newer techniques of printing that are easy to create in your home.

Sponge Print

1. Find a 3" x 5" sponge. 2. With a marker, trace the outline of a shape you would like to create on the sponge. 3. With an adult, carefully cut along the lines you have drawn with a pair of scissors. 4. Dip the one face of the sponge in a shallow tray of poster paint. 5. Place the sponge on a piece of paper, paint side down. 6. Press lightly with the sponge. 7. Wait for paint to dry.

Potato Print

1. With an adult's help, cut a potato in half. 2. Outline a shape on the flat, white part of the potato. 3. Have a parent cut away the potato around the design. 4. Dip the potato in paint. 5. Press the print on paper, cloth, paper bags. Be creative!

Pawprint

1. Dip your hands, feet, tails, or anything in fingerpaint. 2. Place them on paper, or even decorate your room!