STEP 1

Have your child set up the creative space by laying multiple sheets of wax paper on a vinyl tablecloth. Place four cups upside down on the wax paper, with the coasters on top.

STEP 2

Pour paint colors into individual cups. Have your child add pouring medium to each cup of paint for a ratio of about 21/2 parts pouring medium with 1 part paint. Add a small splash of water and mix thoroughly. Use rubbing alcohol or dimethicone instead of water if your child wishes to create more cells in the artwork.

STEP 3

Help your child create four dirty pour cups by layering the colors. Make each cup of paint different so that each coaster pattern will look different.

STEP 4

Pour or flip the cups (let your child choose the technique!) one by one onto a coaster. Your child could create one coaster using the flip cup technique and pour paint on another in a zigzag or circle. After pouring paint on the coaster, tip and tilt it to cover its edges. Once your child is happy with the design, set the coaster back on the cup to dry completely.

STEP 5

Pour or flip the remaining dirty pour cups one at a time onto the coasters, tipping and tilting until all of the coasters are complete. Let the coasters dry on top of the cups on a flat surface for 24 to 36 hours.

STEP 6

To keep the surface of the coasters from scratching and to maintain the freshness and vibrancy of your child’s one-of-a-kind artwork, spray 1 to 2 coats of varnish on the surface of the coaster. Spray varnish only outside or in a well-ventilated area. Don’t forget to add small, round felt pads underneath the coasters so they don’t scratch your furniture.