1Prepare some sponges.

Collect some old bath or kitchen sponges. Wash them thoroughly with soap and let them dry. You can also use new sponges if you don't have old ones.

2Draw shapes.

Once the sponges are dry, draw various shapes on each sponge using a marker. You can draw one or two shapes per sponge, depending on how big you want the shapes to be.

3Cut out the shapes.

Cut out the sponge shapes. You can keep the trimmings for the painting part. Use them to print small or fine details such as grass, leaves, or lines.

4Prepare the paper or fabric.

Prepare a sheet of white construction paper or drawing paper.

If you want to sponge paint on fabric, go with canvas or cotton fabric. Cut the fabric to the desired size. You can also sponge paint onto plain throw pillow cases, canvas bags or t-shirts.

5Prepare the paint.

Use tempera or poster paint if you want to sponge paint onto paper. Go with acrylic or fabric paint when working on fabric.

Place different colors of paint onto plastic plates or small trays. Add some water and mix well.

6Dip a sponge onto paint.

Now let's try painting! Dip a sponge onto a plate of paint. Make sure the entire bottom of the sponge soaks up the paint.

7Press onto paper or fabric.

Press the sponge onto the paper or fabric.

8Lift the sponge.

Lift the sponge to check out the colored print on your paper or fabric.

9Fill your picture.

Use all your sponges to fill your picture with colorful sponge-painted prints.

Random sponge-painted prints are a great and easy way to decorate and personalize canvase tote bags, throw pillow cases and shirts.