If you're looking for an easy and creative handmade gift kids can make for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day or birthdays, download our free printable I love you to pieces template and make an I love you to pieces tape resist painting.
This is a great activity for students to do at school or daycare as a take home gift for parents as it creates minimal mess and even toddlers can do it with some teacher assistance. Children will have lots of fun painting, peeling and creating and they'll have a one of a kind sentimental gift when they're done.
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I love you to pieces is a common phrase used to express affection and love to someone you deeply care about. It's often associated with Valentine's Day and used on many Valentine's Day cards and handmade gifts, especially those made at school for parents. It's also commonly used on crafts and gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day or for friends and family on their birthday.
For more I love you to pieces themed crafts, try our free printable I love you to pieces puzzle pieces card or our I love you to pieces torn paper craft.
I LOVE YOU TO PIECES TAPE RESIST PAINTING
Tape resist art is a process art technique that involves using tape to create an area of resistance within a painting. Tape resist painting involves layering tape and then paint to create a pattern or image with blank space where the tape was. Each painting will always be unique as children will layer and place their tape differently, even if painting the same object or template.
This is a great activity for both physical and cognitive development as it involves tearing tape, sticking it down, choosing the placement of the pieces to create their design and peeling the tape off again. Tearing the tape, sticking it down, as well as peeling it off requires the use of small hand muscles and coordination, strengthening fine motor skills essential for activities like writing. While creating their tape resist painting children will be strengthening their grip, finger dexterity, and overall hand control.
My girls love doing tape resist paintings because they can create their own designs and they love peeling off the tape after. We've also done tape resist Easter egg paintings and we're planning more for other holidays and themes.
Supplies needed
- White paper
- I love you to pieces template
- Paint pens or sticks
- Washi tape
The easiest paint to use for this painting are either paint pens or paint sticks as they'll allow children to be more precise with their markings than using regular paint and a brush. They also dry a lot quicker, which is perfect because children will need to paint the words and heart at separate times to avoid smudging.
I recommend paint pens for older children with developed writing skills and paint sticks for toddlers as they can palmer grasp them. We used paint pens in shades of red, pink and purple. You can download the blank I love you to pieces template from this post.
We like to use washi tape for tape resist activities as it's so easy for the kids to peel and stick, as well as peel off once the paint is dry. If you don't have washi tape you can also use masking tape or painters tape. If you want smaller areas of white space between the sections, you can cut the tape width in half before sticking, or buy thin washi tape.
HOW TO MAKE AN I LOVE YOU TO PIECES TAPE RESIST PAINTING
1. Print the template onto white paper. If you want to preserve the artwork and you aren't planning on laminating it then I suggest using white cardstock for longevity.
2. Paint the words. It's easier for children to paint the word sections first before doing the heart area. Don't worry if they don't stay within the lines, or if they just paint a few scribbles. Set aside to dry.
3. Tape up the heart area. Once the painted words have dried, tape the heart into smaller sections with washi tape or masking tape. Preschoolers should be able to tear the washi tape themselves and push it down onto the paper, toddlers may need adult assistance.
4. Paint the gaps between the tape. Children can then fill in all of the blank space areas of the heart with the same or different colour paints.
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Set aside until dry, which should only take about 5 - 10 minutes.
5. Carefully peel off the tape starting with the top piece first. Washi tape is designed to peel off easily, however can tear the paper slightly if it's pulled off too quickly. If you're worried about the paper ripping have an adult do this step.
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6. Laminate the finished piece for longevity {optional}. If you're giving the finished item as a gift, or want to send it home from school to parents, I recommend laminating the painting so it won't fade or crease over time.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE I LOVE YOU TO PIECES TEMPLATE
You can download the free printable I love you to pieces template by clicking the download template button below. The template is an A4 size PDF file. The actual template does not include a solid border or watermark.
Please note this printable template is for personal or classroom use only and cannot be electronically distributed, reproduced or uploaded and sold on any platform. If you would like to share this printable please link back directly to this post.
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