Did you know there are about 45,000 known species of spiders found all around the world? Spiders are arachnids, joint-legged invertebrate animals and classified as arthropods. Some spiders have evolved to live in people’s homes and would not be able to survive outside over the winter. Spiders create beautiful art through the webs that they spin (though not all spiders make webs!). Even though a spider creates these structures for catching prey, they are still quite amazing structures to observe. Explore the intricacy of lines by creating your own spiderwebs!
Supplies
- White paper
- Craft glue
- Watercolor paints
- Water
- Paint brushes
- Pencil
- Paper towels
- Salt (only for one version)
Instructions
Negative Space Watercolor Spiderweb
Step 1: Gather your materials. You’ll need a sheet of paper, watercolors, a pencil and craft glue.
Step 2: Lightly draw the lines of your spiderweb.
Tip: A ruler can help with straight lines.
Step 3: Trace your spiderweb sketch with a thin line of glue. Let the glue dry completely.
Step 4: Paint the background for your web with watercolors. Tip: It’s okay to paint the whole page because the glue web will wipe off after. Using a piece of damp paper towel, gently wipe off your dried glue web to allow the negative space web to show through.
Salt Watercolor Spiderweb
Step 1: Gather a sheet of paper, watercolors, a pencil and craft glue.
Step 2: Draw the lines of your spiderweb.
Step 3: Trace your spiderweb sketch with a thin line of glue. Do not let the glue dry completely.
Step 4: While glue is still wet, sprinkle white table salt over your web. Shake off any excess salt and let dry.
Step 5: Using a paint brush, dab watercolors only on the salt web. The watercolor will disperse through the salt. This process creates both interesting color mixing and a fun texture!
Explore more of our #PEMfromHome Drop-in Art Activity video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
Show Us!
We want to see your watercolor spiderwebs. Share your photos online using #PEMpod or #peabodyessex.