Coffee Filter Crafts

Marker painted coffee filter crafts are one of my go to activities for younger kids! It’s the perfect activity for the 30 minutes it takes me to throw dinner together in the late afternoon. Coffee filter painting keeps the kids busy and my 4 year old can do it totally on her own. The process is fun and there is very little mess involved. I also love that there are so many things to make with the tie dye coffee filters once they dry. You can craft everything from butterflies to snails and even party decorations!

Here’s what you need to make tie dye coffee filters

• Coffee filters (Here’s a great deal for a pack of 300 on Amazon.)
• Markers
• Cup of water
• Paintbrush
• Tray or baking sheet

The easiest coffee filter craft

My daughter has been making tie dye coffee filters since she was very little! Scribbling with market and then watching the colors swirl together with water has always been one of her favorite crafts.

Step 1 – Marker

Set out a few coffee filters and let the kids color all over them with marker. Make designs, scribbles, pictures, it doesn’t matter. 

Step 2 – Water

Fill a plastic cup with an inch or so of water. Make sure the coffee filters are on top of a tray or baking sheet so the colored water as somewhere to collect. Then, show the kids how to dip the paint brush into the cup of water and paint the marker on the coffee filter. My kids typically make 4-6 coffee filters each in one setting.

Step 3 – Dry

This doesn’t take as long as you might think. To speed up the drying process set them outside in the sun.

6 Coffee Filter Crafts

My kids typically end the craft process here with tie dye coffee filters. We usually hang them on the kitchen windows and admire the sun shining through their colorful creations. Some times I draw shapes on the coffee filters and let my son cut them out. As my kids get older, I’m sure we will make more things with our tie dye coffee filters. Here are 6 fun coffee filter craft ideas.

1. Peacock

This cute peacock craft is from my book, Creating Really Awesome Free Things: 100 Seriously Fun, Super Easy Projects for Kids. Simply make a tie dye coffee filter with blue and green markers. Then, cut a spoon shape out of black construction paper and glue it the peacocks body. Add a face with different colored construction paper. Use a black pen to add feather markings directly to the coffee filter.

2. Bunting

Make as many tie dye coffee filters as you’d like then, fold them over a string and tape them together! Hang up your coffee filter bunting and admire!

3. Butterfly

Use the tie dye coffee filter technique, let it dry and the scrunch in half and add a pipe cleaner for antenna!  See the complete tutorial at Honey and Lime Co.

4. Umbrellas and raindrops

Use the marker water painting technique on the coffee filters and then add a construction paper umbrella handle. Easy peasy. To make a complete window scene on your window, use the tie dye coffee filter tutorial with shades of blue marker. Then, cut raindrop shapes out of the coffee filters. 

5. Snails

Just add a snail body and some glitter! See the detailed tutorial and more adorable coffee filter snails at Color My Bliss.

6. Flowers

My friend, Maria, makes these adorable coffee filter flowers with her kindergartners to give to their mom’s for Mother’s Day! What a great idea. For the detailed tutorial, check out Kinder Craze.

Which tie dye coffee filter craft do you like best? What other crafts have you made out of coffee filters? I’d love to hear!