We were in need of a simple rainy day art project, and these symmetrical designs on coffee filters were fun for both kids and grown-ups. A wet coffee filter is the canvas for this project, and it’s a really interesting texture to draw on with markers. I think you and your kids will have a blast making a big stack of these!

Supplies for Coffee Filter Symmetry Art

• Paper coffee filters – Pick these up at the grocery store or get some over-sized ones at Discount School Supply. We love having these on hand for projects!
• Markers
• Foam brush or sponge
• Water

Set-up your work area with a mat or stack of newspaper. The markers will bleed through the wet coffee filter, so protect your work surface.

Fold a coffee filter in half and use a foam brush or sponge to wet both sides. You want it to be completely wet, but it doesn’t need to be dripping.

Using markers, draw on the coffee filter, creating any kinds of designs you like. You could follow the shape of the coffee filter with arched designs, draw lines and shapes coming out from the center, or just make random doodles all over.

When you are finished drawing, it’s time for the big reveal! Carefully open the wet coffee filter and check out your perfectly symmetrical design. We loved this part the most!

Here’s another one that my 12-year-old made with all kinds of random lines and squiggles:

And, the finished product!

Pizza anyone?

As you can see, we had such fun making these.

They are kind of addicting! The colors will continue to bleed and soften a bit as the filters dry. So colorful and fun!

Want more ideas? Here are 25 Easy Art Techniques for Kids!