Let's paint by rolling marbles! Ideas for marble-rolling art
“Marble Rolling Art” is an art activity where you place a sheet of drawing paper inside an empty box, drop in marbles coated with paint, and tilt the box at various angles to roll the marbles around and create patterns.
Kids are sure to be captivated by the way the marbles roll here and there and by the mysterious patterns that keep forming!
In this feature, we’re sharing plenty of project ideas that make the most of Marble Rolling Art.
We’ve packed in ideas you can use in many settings—tied to events, reflecting the seasons, and more.
Be sure to use these as a reference and have fun trying them together.
Because we are presenting ideas for creating works that highlight children’s individuality, we use the term “seisaku (制作)” in the main text to mean “making/creation.”
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Let's paint by rolling marbles! Marble rolling art ideas (1–10)
Rainy Day Bear
Let’s use the marble-rolling art technique to make a cute “Rainy Day Bear.” First, place small drops of paint on drawing paper and roll marbles over it.
Be sure to use a container with raised edges so the marbles don’t roll out.
Since this will become the bear’s raincoat, choose bright colors for a cute finish.
Once the paint is dry, cut it into the shape of a raincoat and attach the bear’s face and rain boots.
Finally, use a green paint handprint as a leaf umbrella for the bear to hold, and you’re done!
Orihime and Hikoboshi
Marble art uses the lines created by rolling paint-covered marbles as patterns.
Because it gives everyone an equal element of chance, it’s fun to use for coloring in crafts.
How about incorporating this marble art into the kimono sections of Orihime and Hikoboshi dolls or Hina dolls? Here’s a concrete method: cut off the top of a tissue box and place a postcard-sized sheet of paper inside the box.
Dip marbles into diluted paint in a paper cup, take them out, and roll them around inside the tissue box.
carp streamer
Even making koinobori windsocks can take on a unique twist if you use marble rolling art! It’s fun to make lots and display them.
First, prepare drawing paper and roll marbles coated with paint across it.
If you place one marble with one color of paint in a small container, the colors won’t mix and the result will look neat.
Roll them inside a box, and you’ll get vibrant patterns! Once the paint dries, cut the paper into the shape of a koinobori and attach an eye.
It’s a craft that both children and adults can enjoy together.
Let's paint by rolling marbles! Marble Rolling Art Ideas (11–20)
Message Card
Shiny marbles that roll with lively energy are a top-recommended item for childcare workers because kids love them.
Making message cards using those marbles is sure to be an activity children enjoy! The method is a bit unique: cut an empty tissue box in half.
Then place a few marbles colored with various paints or inks inside, and roll them around so they move evenly across the surface.
This creates a dynamic, intriguing design.
After that, just add a message and give it—super simple, right?
Apple
Even an apple motif that’s perfect for cute crafts can feel a bit stylish when finished with marble art! After securing a piece of construction paper cut into an apple shape to the side of a box, drop in marbles coated with paint and roll them around.
Tilt the box evenly in various directions to create a neat pattern all over.
Once it’s completely dry, attach the leaf and branch pieces to finish! Try making not only apples, but also kids’ favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, and mandarins.
Christmas tree
If you paint patterns with marble art, your tree will have a unique and stylish vibe! First, secure a sheet of construction paper to the bottom of a box.
Prepare several colors of paint thinned with a little water, drop some marbles into the paint, then transfer the marbles to the box and roll them around.
After creating colorful patterns with two or three marbles, take the paper out of the box and cut it into a tree shape.
Attach it to a backing sheet or card, and you’re done! Decorate it with Christmas motifs like stars, stockings, and presents to make the piece even more festive.
bamboo-copter
These are bamboo-copter toys made with marble art—fun both to decorate and to play with once they’re finished! Line a box with thin paper like copier paper, then roll marbles coated in paint to create patterns.
Once it’s completely dry, cut an opened milk carton into 1.7 cm-wide strips and attach the patterned paper to both sides.
Insert the folded milk-carton piece into a pre-slit straw, adjust the angle, then open the wings to the left and right—and it’s done! These bamboo-copters with colorful, unique patterns are sure to stand out against the sky.