How to make rolling pin prints

To do this activity you’ll need to find different textured items around the house. This could include bubble wrap, elastic bands, corrugated cardboard or anything else you can find. 

Multicoloured paint marks on a piece of paper with a rolling pin

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a sensory craft activity that helps people use their senses to connect with their surroundings, exploring touch while supporting independent choice, creativity and self-expression.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.

Why does this make a difference?

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

Coloured paper, paints, scissors and a rolling pin on a wooden background
  • Rolling pin
  • Paints
  • A paint palette, tray or dish wide enough for the rolling pin
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Tape or glue
  • A collection of textured things from around the home, like bubble wrap, elastic bands, string, pieces of card, plastic trays and scrap paper.  
Cutting out shapes of blue and green paper using scissors, in squiggles, triangles and rectangles

Step 1

Prepare the materials you’ll be using, cutting up pieces of paper and card into fun shapes Then, cut out a strip of paper the width of the rolling pin that’s long enough to wrap fully around.
A rolling pin with the coloured paper shapes attached, being held by two hands

Step 2

Cover your strip of paper with textured items, using glue or tape to stick them down, then wrap the paper around the rolling pin. Secure in place using tape and glue and leave to dry if needed.
Pour paint onto your palette, and roll the rolling pin into the paint. Then, roll the rolling pin across the paper, and explore layering different colours, textures and shapes.

Step 3

Pour paint onto your palette, and roll the rolling pin into the paint. Then, roll the rolling pin across the paper, and explore layering different colours, textures and shapes. Pour paint onto your palette, and roll the rolling pin into the paint. Then, roll the rolling pin across the paper, and explore layering different colours, textures and shapes.

Top tips

  • Try wrapping your rolling pin in bubble wrap instead of paper for a fun textured effect