Mixed-Media Ladybug Art Project

Ladybug art activities are perfect for springtime and are sure to keep children engaged in the art-making process. Young learners are often drawn to the bright and bold colors of this cute insect. Perhaps you can find some crawling in the backyard or flying around the playground. Today we’ll use various cups, sponges, and cardboard scraps to print adorable ladybugs scurrying across our paper as we create a mixed-media ladybug art project for kids. Little fingers will get a workout as we stamp and hop about! Let’s gather our materials and get crawling! 

Ladybug Art Project

FIND EVEN MORE LADYBUG IDEAS IN OUR PRINTABLE LADYBUG THEME LESSON PLANS

Ladybug Facts for Kids

1. A ladybug is an insect.
2. Some ladybugs are black and red.
3. Oftentimes they have spots on their back.
4. Ladybugs have six legs.
5. Ladybugs have two antennae.
6. A group of ladybugs is called a “loveliness.”
7. Some people believe ladybugs are a symbol of good luck, especially if they land on you!

Printing with Plastic Cups

Plastic cups of various sizes are a great art tool to keep with your art supplies. I’ve collected many different types and sizes over the years, often saving them from the landfill after they are used as food containers. I love to use them to print circles. They are readily available and easy for little hands to grip. The printing process promotes problem-solving skills and self-assessment as children decide on the amount of paint to use and the amount of pressure needed to create a successful print. Young artists enjoy the immediate response of each print and the action and movement created during the printmaking process. 

Creative Fine Motor Practice Activity

I also use plastic cups for children to trace to make circles. This is good practice for fine motor skill development as they have to hold the cup in place while tracing around it with a pencil or crayon. We often sing, “hold it down, hold it down, and trace around.” It’s fun to trace a variety of circles and have children transform them into any round object, such as a ball, the sun, or a button. This activity is sure to promote creativity and artistic independence as the children come up with numerous innovative solutions. 

Materials to Make Mixed-Media Ladybug Art Project for Kids

• Various Size Plastic Cups
• Cardboard
• Black Tempera Paint
• Red Construction Paper
• Green Construction Paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Sponges
• Gluestick 
• Buttons

Step-by-Step Directions for to Make Ladybug Craft

1. Circle Time!

Dip the open end of a plastic cup into black paint and stamp on a piece of red paper to make the ladybug’s body. Dip a sponge brush into black paint and add the head.

2. Spot On!

Paint the spots on the ladybug’s back with a circular sponge brush, or use your finger to dab the spots. How many spots do you want to add? Spots help the ladybug stay safe from predators.

3. Legs Go!

Cut a piece of cardboard into a long rectangle shape, dip the rough end into the paint, and stamp the legs. Make sure to make three legs on each side for a total of six. Add two antennae. Glue two buttons for eyes.

4. Cut the Grass!

Draw a variety of grass and leaves on green paper. Cut out the items and glue them to the background. 

Art and Literacy

I recommend reading the book Lucy Ladybug by Sharon King-Chai to accompany this lesson. Filled with whimsical illustrations, the book features a ladybug with no spots. Through friendship and generosity, she collects colorful spots from a variety of friends. This book is sure to spark conversations about differences, diversity, and individuality. 

Whether making ladybug prints at home or in the classroom, please tag @youngschoolartwithmr.g and @fantasticfunandlearning on Instagram so we can see your lovely ladybugs!

CONNECT WITH VIN GIANNETTO

Learn more about Vin here on his author bio page. Follow along with him on Facebook at Young School Art with Mr. Giannetto and on Instagram @youngschoolartwithmr.g for art project ideas.

MORE ART AND CRAFT PROJECT IDEAS FROM VIN

MORE LADYBUG THEME FUN WITH PRINTABLE LESSON PLANS

Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.

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Preschool Ladybug  Theme Lesson Plans

Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers.