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Explore Capillary Action With a Coffee Filter

• Coffee filter
• Water solvable markers, preferably dark colours

Instructions

• Draw dots or other patterns with the markers onto the coffee filter, about 2 cm from the bottom
• Fill a class with about 1 cm of water
• Place the coffee filter in the glass so that the colour is right above the water and pay attention to what happens
• Remove the filter once the colour has risen the desired amount. Are the new colours different from the original ones?
• Repeat with different patterns and colours

What happens?

This technique is called chromatography. The force that makes the water rise upwards through tiny tubes inside the coffee filter is called capillary action. Capillary action enables even tall trees to get water and essential nutrients delivered to their leaves far above the ground. There are slim tubes inside the tree stem, just like the coffee filter. Water can rise through these tubes and defy gravity because of its electric charges. A little magical, isn’t it?

Equipment Coffee filter Water solvable markers, preferably dark colours A glass Instructions Draw dots or other patterns with the markers onto the coffee filter, about 2 cm from the bottom Fill a class with about 1 cm of water Place the coffee filter in the glass so that the colour is right above the water….Click to read more

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Black Marker Coffee Filter Experiment – What Colors Make Black

Activities » Science » Black Marker Coffee Filter Experiment – What Colors Make Black

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Are you looking for an engaging science activity that will help your kids better understand the concept of mixing colors to get new shades? Look no further than this Black Marker Coffee Filter Experiment – it’s simple, fun, and results in amazing works of art!

This colorful activity involves creating a masterpiece on a sectioned coffee filter using five colors; each child gets to design their own version. The exciting element of this experiment is when the dots are sprayed with water and all combined together slowly forming an entirely new color – black!

Not only will this experiment teach children about how mixing two primary (or secondary) colors creates tertiary hues but also how that same mixture can form black when fully saturated.

Read on for more details on supplies needed and specific step-by-step instructions – let’s begin exploring what colors make black!

Black Marker Coffee Filter Experiment

Is black a color?

How does paint or ink get its color?

Which colors do you mix to create black?

My sons and I were curious. So, we did the classic black marker experiment to discover and observe a bit more about what colors make black. 

A great way to introduce this activity is to create a color wheel .  The art sequence of lessons within Montessori includes this activity and would make for a terrific exploration of primary and secondary colors. 

Black Marker Experiment Materials

• white coffee filter
• black marker (not permanent)

Steps to Black Marker Coffee Filter Experiment

• design the edge of the coffee filter
• roll the filter into a cone
• pour water into the bowl (doesn’t have to be a lot)
• place the filter into the bowl with water in it
• observe what happens as the water travels up the filter

Questions to Ask the Children about the Science of Colors

• What are the colors of the rainbow?
• What do you think will happen when we place the filter into the water?
• What will happen when the water makes it to the black marker?
• Does one color move more quickly than the other? Why?
• How many colors do you see?
• Why does combining many colors of ink make black?
• Who would use this science? Why? (Biochemists)

Science Behind Black Marker Experiment

• Water separates the various pigments of the black ink
• The colors’ speed depends on the size of the color molecule and how strongly the pigment is attracted to the paper
• Because the pigments have varying strengths and sizes, they separate when the water hits the black ink
• The science is called chromatography where a gas or liquid flows through a stationary substance
• The ingredients within the substance move at different rates
• Paint, for example, becomes a color by absorbing some of the colors in white light and reflecting other colors. Blue looks blue because it reflects the blue part of the light and absorbs all other colors. When you mix many colors, each color added absorbs more light, leaving less light to reflect on your eye. So, when many colors are mixed together, we have black.

What Colors Make Black?

According to WikiHow , “Black  paint  can be made with equal parts  red ,  yellow , and  blue paint  mixed together on a  palette . You can also mix complementary colors such as  blue  and  orange , red and   green , or  yellow  and  purple . Mixing  blue  and brown can  also result in a  rich black .”

• Try red or another color 
• Experiment with different types of markers
• Try different types of paper

Read about Color

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How Colors are Made Science Experiment

What makes the colors make the color orange? Green? Black? With this easy experiment, kids discover how colors are made by using markers, water, and a coffee filter – things you probably already have at home!

Preview this experiment with our demonstration video and learn new vocabulary with the scientific explanation of how the experiment works. A supplies list and detailed instructions can be found below.

JUMP TO SECTION: Instructions | Video Tutorial | How it Works | Purchase Lab Kit

Supplies Needed

• Different Colored Markers (We used Blue, Green, Orange and Black)
• Coffee Filter (You can also use Blotting Paper)
• Small Drinking Glass
• 1 teaspoon Salt

How Colors are Made Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy How Colors are Made Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

How Colors are Made Experiment Instructions

Experiment Setup –  Before you begin the experiment talk about the various marker colors that you’ll be experimenting with. Talk about the colors, explain that some colors are called primary colors (red, yellow & blue) and these colors can be mixed together to make new colors. Make some observations about the colors you’ve selected for the experiment. Are you using any primary colors?

Step 1 – Begin the experiment by preparing your coffee filter. Smooth the coffee filter out and fold it in half. 

Step 2 – Next, use the markers to draw and color in circles of different colors on the coffee filters. The circles should be an inch apart and near the center of the coffee filter.

Helpful Tip: Only use 4 colors max per coffee filter. If you want to experiment with more than 4 colors then use multiple coffee filters.

Step 3 – Pour one inch of water into an empty glass and add one teaspoon of salt. Stir until the salt is combined.

Step 4 – Shape the coffee filter into a cylinder and place it into the glass. The bottom of the coffee filter should just touch the water. Then take a few minutes to make some observations. Do you notice anything happening with the water and the coffee filter? Let the glass and coffee filter sit for 30 minutes to an hour and then come back to see what happened.

Step 6 – When you return to the glass, what has changed? Carefully remove the coffee filter from the glass and set it flat on the table. Observe what has happened to the colored circles. You’ll notice how the colors have spread across the coffee filter and that some of them have changed from the original marker color

Do you know what caused the colors to spread? And why some of the colors stayed the same, while others changed? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work

Over the course of the hour, the coffee filter gradually absorbs water. The coffee filter is able to absorb water through the process of capillary action . Water is able to move against the force of gravity and climb the coffee filter because water molecules stick to each other AND they stick to the fibers of the coffee filter. As water molecules are attracted to the fibers of the coffee filter, they pull other water molecules with them. Once the water gets to the colored circles, the color starts to spread up the coffee filter.

The colors spread because of a process called chromatography. Chromatography is the separation of a mixture by passing a solution through a medium. Simply put, in this experiment, you are separating the colored ink of the markers (the mixture) with water (the solution) using a coffee filter (the medium).

Now let’s talk about the colors! When a primary color (red, yellow, blue) spreads it will stay the same color. When a secondary color (green, orange, purple) spreads it will change into the primary colors that were originally mixed to make the color. The color black is created by mixing multiple colors together, so when it spreads you see the widest array of different colors.

Primary colors – Red, Yellow & Blue. These color can be mixed together to make other colors  Secondary colors – Orange, Purple & Green. These colors are made by mixing two primary colors together Tertiary colors – Colors made by mixing a primary color with a secondary color

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

How Colors Are Made Science Experiment

• Different Colored Markers (We used Blue, Green, Orange and Black)

Instructions

• Begin the experiment by preparing your coffee filter. Do that by first folding it in half.
• Next, use the markers to draw and color in circles of different colors on the coffee filters. The circles should be an inch apart and near the center of the coffee filter.
• Pour one inch of water into an empty glass.
• Add a teaspoon of salt into the glass and stir until it is combined.
• Shape the coffee filter into a cylinder and place into the glass. The bottom should just touch the water. Let the glass and coffee filter sit for 30 minutes to an hour and then come back to see what happened.
• Wait 30 minutes to an hour and then return to look at the colors. Remove the coffee filter from the glass and set it flat on the table. Observe what has happened to the colored circles. You’ll notice how the colors have spread across the coffee filter and that some of them have changed from the original marker color

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Science Projects > Chemistry Projects > Colorful Chromatography + Video  

Colorful Chromatography + Video

Color chromatography.

Chromatography is one of the simplest techniques for separating the individual components of a mixture. In chemistry, a mixture is a combination of substances that can be separated because they are not chemically bonded. As opposed to a compound, which has elements chemically bonded together. In paper chromatography, a mixture is dissolved and pulled across a piece of paper.

The mixture separates because its components travel across the paper at different rates, based on their attraction to the paper or solubility in the solvent. The word ‘chromatography’ comes from the two Greek words for ‘color’ and ‘writing.’ Once you try out the fun projects below, you’ll see why that’s such a fitting name!

>> Watch our chromatography video to see this cool process in action!

Color Hide-and-Seek

Is black really black? Let’s start with some simple paper chromatography to find out.

What You Need:

• Black washable marker
• Filter paper or coffee filter
• Beaker or cup

What You Do:

1. Cut a piece of filter paper or coffee filter into rectangular strips (approximately 1/2″ x 3-4″).

2. Draw a pencil line across the narrow end of a strip, about 1 cm from the bottom.

3. Draw a small dot with the black marker on the pencil line.

4. Use a binder clip or tape to attach the paper strip to a pencil. Set the pencil across the top of a beaker or cup. Adjust the paper strip until it hangs down without touching the sides or bottom of the beaker.

5. Carefully pour water into the beaker until it just touches the bottom of the paper strip. (Make sure the water level is below the marker spot, or else the ink will just run off into the water.) Water will begin to travel up the paper.

6. When the water nears the top of the paper, remove the strip from the beaker and let it dry on a paper plate or hanging in an empty cup. The series of colors you see is called a chromatogram.

What Happened:

As the water travels up the paper strip (similar to capillary action in plants), it dissolves the ink and pulls it up the paper too.

The black ink is actually a mixture of several different pigments, or coloring agents. Some pigments dissolve in water easier and are pulled with the water farther up the paper.

Others are more attracted to the paper and move more slowly.

Usually smaller molecules will move farther than larger ones. What colors do you see on your chromatogram? Was the black marker really black?

The three primary colors used when mixing dyes or paints are red, yellow, and blue.

Other colors are often a mixture of these three colors. Try running a chromatography test again with non-primary-color markers, like purple, brown, and orange.

See what hidden colors are really there! You can also try using other solvents, such as rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, especially for permanent pens and markers that won’t dissolve in water.

Fall Colors in Summer Leaves

Trees that were green all year suddenly become bright yellow, orange, red, or even purple! How does this happen?

Leaves contain different pigments, which give them their color.

Green chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis, is the most common type of pigment, but there are also cartenoids (yellow, orange, brown) and anthocyanins (red).

During the summer months, the leaves are so full of chlorophyll that green overpowers any other colors present in the leaves, such as yellow and orange.

In the fall the days start to get shorter and the temperature drops, signaling to the tree that it is time to go into storage mode for the winter. The chlorophyll starts to break down, causing the green in the leaves to disappear, and allowing us to see the colors of the other pigments, which were present all along.

You can use chromatography to find out what pigments are present in a leaf when it is still green.

• Green leaves (trees with dramatic fall color changes, like maples, work best)
• Glass beaker or cup
• Rubbing alcohol

1. Gather several green leaves from a tree. You can choose to compare two different trees, if you want.

2. Cut the leaves into very small pieces and put them in a small glass or beaker.

3. Pour rubbing alcohol into the glass just enough to cover the leaves. You want the pigment solution to be as concentrated as possible, so don’t add more alcohol than necessary. Cover the glass with plastic wrap and set it in a larger glass or bowl with about an inch of hot water. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, swirling occasionally and replacing the hot water as necessary. You can use a spoon to help crush the leaves and release more pigment.

4. When the color of the liquid is nice and dark, remove the leaf tissue with a fork or spoon (or strain it through a coffee filter).

5. Tape a strip of filter paper to a pencil and suspend it in the beaker so that the strip just touches the colored liquid. Cover the beaker with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation.

6. When the alcohol nears the top (this can take 30-90 minutes), remove the strip and let it dry.

What colors do you see in your finished chromatogram? The ‘hidden’? pigments (caretonoids and anthocyanins) will travel farther up the paper than the chlorophyll. Based on your chromatogram, what color do you think the leaves will be in the fall after the chlorophyll has broken down?

Read our article to learn more about how leaves change colors in the fall.

More Fun Chemistry Projects

• Ink and Paper Activities
• Color-Change Tricks
• Invisible Ink

Science Links

Explore the nature of color with this beautiful and informative web exhibit: Causes of Color .

Check out this site to see how all colored printing is really made from just four colors.

Welcome! Read other Chemistry articles or explore the rest of the Resource Center, which consists of hundreds of free science articles!

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Colorful Coffee Filter Flowers

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links, Habitot will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Mother’s Day is coming up on May 14th! In this artistic STEM activity, your child will create a beautiful gift while observing how water causes marker ink to spread, separate, and change on a coffee filter. It’s a scientific process otherwise known as “ paper chromatography .” Once the coffee filters dry, your child will then wrap them into paper flowers to create a colorful bouquet for Mom (or any person they love)!

What We’re Learning & Skills We’re Building

• Early science concepts – physical changes (mixing water and ink); absorption (ink and water seeping into the coffee filter); chromatography (see the fun experiment link under the More Learning section below)
• Experimentation – testing several kinds of markers during the activity to see the different results 
• Fine motor skills – using the small muscles in the hands to drip, pinch, and twist
• Color mixing – mixing colors to create new, different colors
• Standard-size “basket” coffee filters or small cone-shaped coffee filters (alternatives: paper towels or tissue paper cut into circles)
• A variety of markers 
• Drinking cups or jars (clear is ideal)
• 2-4 tbsps water
• Art tray , cookie cooling tray, or plate(s)
• Dish towel or paper towels
• Scotch tape or masking tape
• (Optional) Pipe cleaners  

( Note: Cone-shaped coffee filters are thicker than basket coffee filters and may take longer to absorb water. Colors might be less vibrant if the filter paper is tan/brown.)

1. Have your child draw on one side of the coffee filters with the markers, making designs, drawing shapes, or coloring them completely. They can use a different color on each filter or many colors on one. They can draw close to the center or only on the edges. This is the time for artistic experimentation!

2. Set the filters aside to dry for a few minutes.

*Observe: Take note of what each coffee filter looks like when it’s dry. Older children can make predictions about how the colors and designs might change once the filters are placed in water.  

3. When the coffee filters are dry, fold them in half 3 times (so they look like pizza slices).

4. Pour about 2-4 tbsps of water into each cup/jar.

5. Place the pointy part of each of the folded coffee filters into the separate cups. Wait while the paper absorbs the water (about 5-15 minutes).

*Observe: Watch as the water slowly creeps up the filters. Ask, “What happens when the water reaches the colorful marker ink? Do the colors spread? Do they move? Do they mix together? Do some colors disappear?” And if only one marker color was used, ask, “Do new colors appear?”

6. Remove the filters from the water and carefully unfold them. Place each on the cookie cooling rack or tray/plate(s) lined with dish towels or paper towels. Let them dry completely (30-60 minutes).

*Observe: Once the filters are dry, ask, “Do the filters look the same as they did before we dipped them into water, or do they look different?” Point out the differences to young children. Older children can compare the results to their own predictions in step 2 above.

Making Flowers

• Once the colorful coffee filters are fully dry, fold them in half 3 times (the same way as before, so they look like pizza slices). 
• To make a stem, pinch the middle of a folded coffee filter and twist the bottom half.
• Wrap the twisted bottom half of the filter with a small piece of scotch tape (masking tape is fine, but it’s less sticky). Or, wrap a pipe cleaner around the twisted bottom.
• Create petals by separating and spreading out the folds on the top half of the filter.
• (Optional) Stack two unfolded, dry coffee filters on top of each other and repeat steps 3 & 4 to create fluffier flowers with many petals. This might be easier for older children and adults.
• Place the flowers in a dry vase to give as a gift for Mom or any other loved one! 

( Note : Colorful coffee filters can be used to create other things, not just flowers. Check out this list of simple coffee filter crafts .)

More Learning

• What is chromatography ? It’s a complex scientific process! In simple terms, it’s separating the   parts of a mixture (marker ink) that’s been absorbed into/onto a material (coffee filter) by passing it through a solution (water). Chromatography can be used to measure how many different parts are in a mixture, and how much there is in each part.
• Marker Ink: Chromatography can also show us all the different colors (pigments) that have been blended together to create the ink for just one marker color. For example, dipping a coffee filter that’s been colored with red marker into water might show streaks of orange, yellow, and pink ink – all of these colors were mixed together to create the red ink!
• Experiment: Draw color on a coffee filter, then use a medicine dropper or pipette to drip water over the marker ink. Or, use a spray bottle to moisten the colored coffee filter. Black markers are fun and educational in chromatography activities because there are many colors that make up black ink. Check out this fun experiment !

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How To Do The Classic Chromatography Experiment

May 8, 2020 by Ana Dziengel 1 Comment

The classic chromatography experiment is always surprising! Did you know you can separate black into different colors? Read on to see how!

Chromatography is the process of separating mixtures. In this project you will separate the color black into other colors. As the coffee filter absorbs water through capillary action, the black ink moves through the filter and is separated by the water into other colors. You should see blue, green and even red as the water separates the ink.

The Classic Chromatography Experiment

• Black washable marker
• Coffee Filters
• Paper Towels

We have two methods for conducting this experiment. One uses coffee filters and one uses paper towels. You may try either or both!

Instructions for Coffee Filter Chromatography Experiment

Time needed:  15 minutes.

Learn how to do the classic chromatography experiment.

Fold a coffee filter in half. Fold in half two more times until you have a triangular shape.

Color the tip of the coffee filter with washable black marker. Get a good coat of ink on the filter.

Add a small amount of water to a plastic cup. Place the black tip of the coffee filter in the cup.

Come back to the filter after 15 minutes and see what happens to the ink.

Instructions for Paper Towel Chromatography Experiment

• Cut paper towel Cut your paper towel into strips
• Color the paper towel Color the center of each strip with black marker.
• Place in water Place the paper towel in a cup with a small amount of water at the bottom. Place the colored center in the water and allow the ends to hang over the side of the cup.
• Watch and observe The ink will begin flowing up the paper towel via capillary action and the pigments will start separating.
• Remove and let dry After a few minutes, remove the paper towel strip from the cup and let dry on a piece of paper.

Extension Ideas

• Try this with other colors. Does it work as well? What colors can you separate? Which don’t work as well? Keep a chart of how well each color works.
• What happens when you use a permanent marker?  Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol over a permanent marker drawing and see what happens.
• Turn your chromatography experiment into paper flowers! Add a pipe cleaner stem and wrap around the pointed end of the “flower.”
• Use this experiment to decorate canvas bags!

The Science

Chromatography is the process by which scientists separate mixtures by letting them slowly move past each other. In the process of chromatography a mixture in one state of matter moves over the surface of something in another state of matter. In this experiment the water (a liquid) carries the pigment through and over the surface of towel (a solid) and in the process it separates the individual pigment colors. Here is a more in-depth explanation of chromatography.

Capillary action is ability of liquid to flow against gravity through other materials. In this project water and ink moves through the fibers of the paper towel or coffee filter until all the fibers are fully saturated (or until you remove it from the liquid). If you allow the towel or filter to sit in the water for a long period of time eventually all the ink will move to the ends of the filter or towel.

This chromatography experiment is included in our Classic Science Activity Cards here . If you enjoyed it check out the cards for 9 more ideas!

Dana Quickel says

May 8, 2020 at 6:08 pm

This sounds really cool. I want to try it with my school age childcare kids next week.

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Coffee Filter Science Experiment: Chromatography for Kids

Here is a coffee filter science experiment children can try out at home. Coffee filter chromatography for kids is not only easy to do but also a great creative activity.  Why not create your own magical flower bouquet or gift a flower greeting card to someone?

Materials needed

Washable markers

3 White coffee filters (per bouquet)

1 cup of water per coffee filter

Rubber band

Optional*- Vase for decoration

Prepare the filter

Flatten out a coffee filter on a plate.

Scribble the filter with washable markers.  Or alternatively, you can choose one washable marker per coffee filter to create a rainbow bouquet. You will need six different filters one of each colour – e.g. green, blue, yellow, red, orange, purple. 

Fold the coffee filter in half, another fold making a 1/4 all the way to a 1/8 fold.

Fill a glass with a little bit of water. Essentially, the cone tip of the coffee filter just needs to be in contact with the water. 

Let the coffee filter tip soak in the water. You will notice that the water begins to flow up the paper. 

After the coffee filters have dried, you are ready to assemble your flowers.

Let’s make a flower

Once you have your coffee filters coloured, gather each one in the centre and twist it tight. This will gather the top and give it a bunched look.

Make your bouquet with approximately 3 coffee filter flowers (or more)  to create a bouquet shape.  

Secure the filters in place using a rubber band. 

Tape a straw to hold the bouquet shape. 

Place the bouquet in a vase – or repeat steps to create more bouquets.  Alternatively, you can attach your flower to the front of a card or gift to decorate it.

The science behind the coffee filter experiment

Once the water gets to the coloured areas, it will start to spread creating beautiful designs and patterns.

You only need to place the tip of the filter in the water to start this process and to prevent the paper from getting soggy and breaking apart.

Don’t forget to share this awesome science experiment with your friends and family. 

Did you like this chromatography for kids experiments? We can’t wait to see the awesome designs inspired by this coffee filter science experiment – email us on [email protected] or tag us in socials @inquibox and we would love to feature them on our socials.

Extra reading: check out our posts on  5 wild chemistry science experiments that will blow your mind and our blog on  11 interesting videos about space.

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• popsicle stick
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• printable template
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Coffee Filter Chromatography Experiment

Is black really black? Is gray really gray? See the separation of colors through coffee filters and water and create cool art work while learning!

• Coffee Filter
• Washable Markers
• Cup of Water

Instructions

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A Dab of Glue Will Do

Little Learners, Big Ideas

PS PK K 1 2

Hands On Science: Color Exploration

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Dive into this fun color exploration experiment with your kindergarteners today! There are just a couple simple materials you need to help your students enjoy the changing of the colors in this simple science experiment.

Getting Color Exploration Ready

You have these simple craft supplies already in your craft stash. This is a simple experiment to set up with:

• Coffee Filters
• Crayola Markers (black, brown and yellow) – NON Permanent
• Popsicle Sticks
• 2 Jars or Large Cups (We used see through glass, so that we could witness the whole reaction)

Doing Color Exploration

Cut two coffee filters into large strips, about 2 inches wide. Take one marker and colored on a coffee filter strip and a second color colored on the other coffee filter strip.

Wrap the top of the coffee filter strip around a popsicle stick and taped it in place.

Next, rest the popsicle stick on the rim of the cup with the coffee filter in the cup, just barely touching the water.

Let the water raise up through the coffee filter and watch what happens to the color. It took about 10 minutes for a real reaction, more than just spreading color, to occur.

The Science Behind Color Exploration

Colors are made up of other colors. When we mix colors we can create new colors.

Use paints to help your students learn more about mixing colors after the see these colors expand and met away.

Need More Science Ideas? 

Salt Painting Experiment

Magic Milk Experiment 

Sink or Float Experiment

Want science planned for you ALL YEAR LONG?!

Do you want  science planned  for the  ENTIRE CALENDAR YEAR !? This  Endless Science Mega Bundle  will  save you so much time  and  keep your students engaged  and  excited about learning . This amazing resource contains  53 science topics  including  life science ,  physical science ,  earth science , and  animal studies .

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April 24, 2022 at 5:09 pm

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Easy Coffee Filter Flowers

What’s nicer than a fresh bouquet of flowers? How about a homemade bouquet of flowers made with STEAM (Science + Art)! Easy coffee filter flowers are the perfect craft for spring, or any time of the year. Find out how to make flowers out of coffee filters. Fun STEAM activities are always engaging for junior scientists of all ages!

Enjoy Flowers For Spring

Spring is the perfect time of year for art and craft activities! There are so many fun themes to explore. For this time of the year, our favorite topics to teach kids about spring include weather and rainbows , geology , Earth Day and of course plants !

Get ready to add this flower craft, to your lesson plans this season. How do you make easy coffee filter flowers? Let me show you! In fact, this has to be our favorite craft to make with coffee filters.

Simple enough to do with your preschoolers, and kindergarten students, as well as older kids. All you need is a handful of bright markers and pipe cleaners to finish off a pretty bouquet to give away!

And if you are looking to add a little STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and art) to your lessons, then this is the activity you need to try. Even my “not interested in crafts” kiddo loves it! While you’re at it, make sure to check out these other fun flower art and crafts .

Mother’s Day! Birthdays! Weddings! Teacher gifts! Spring crafts!

Coffee Filter Flowers Craft

• Coffee Filters
• Washable Markers
• Gallon Size Zipper Bag OR Metal Baking Sheet Pan
• Water Spray Bottle
• Pipe Cleaners

Instructions:

STEP 1. Flatten round coffee filters, and draw colors in circles, patterns, or even scribbles! Make a rainbow on one with all the colors or stick with just complimentary colors!

Check out our rainbow coloring page to learn about the colors of the rainbow!

STEP 2. Place the colored coffee filters on a gallon size zipper bag or metal baking sheet pan and then mist with a water spray bottle.

Watch the magic as the colors blend and swirl! Set aside to dry.

STEP 3. The last step in your coffee filter flower bouquet is a stem!

• Once they are dry, fold them back up and round the corners if desired.
• Pull the center together just a touch and tape with clear tape to make a flower.
• Wrap a pipe cleaner around the tape and leave the remaining pipe cleaner for a stem.

Why not use any leftover pipe cleaners to make these easy crystal flowers!

Learn About Solubility With Coffee Filters

Make a gorgeous bouquet of flowers with coffee filters, and markers. No coloring in skills needed because simply add water to the coffee filter, and the colors beautifully blend together.

Why do the colors on your coffee filter flower blend together? It’s all to do with solubility ! If something is soluble that means it will dissolve in that liquid (or solvent). The ink used in these washable markers dissolves in what? The water of course!

With our DIY coffee filter flowers, the water (solvent) is meant to dissolve the marker ink (solute). For this to happen, the molecules in both the water and the ink must be attracted to each other. When you added drops of water to the designs on the paper, the ink should spread out and run through the paper with the water.

Note: Permanent markers do not dissolve in water but in alcohol. You can see this in action here with our tie-dye Valentine cards .

More Fun Coffee Filter Crafts

Want to have more fun with coffee filter crafts? You will love…

• Earth Day Coffee Filter Craft
• Coffee Filter Chromatography
• Coffee Filter Rainbow
• Coffee Filter Turkey
• Coffee Filter Apple
• Coffee Filter Christmas Tree
• Coffee Filter Snowflakes

Get Your FREE Printable 7 Days Art Challenge Pack!

Fun Flower Crafts To Explore

When you finish making this coffee filter craft, why not try one of these ideas below. You can find all our flower crafts here and plant activities for preschoolers !

Cupcake liner flowers are great to make as a homemade gift for Mother’s Day.

Color in this cute flower printable with nothing but dots.

Paint these fun bright flowers with their own homemade stamps.

How about a homemade handprint flowers bouquet !

Use art and craft supplies you have on hand to make the parts of a plant .

Printable Spring Pack

If you’re looking to have all of your printable activities in one convenient place, plus exclusive worksheets with a spring theme, our 300+ page Spring STEM Project Pack is what you need!

Weather, geology, plants, life cycles, and more!

• Pingback: Cool Crafts for Kids to Make at Home - It's a Southern Life Y'all

Can you please make easy to print out instructions?

Hi there, we do have a shop full of paid products if that helps!

yes!! will you please make easy to print instructions??

We will be coming out with a fun activities printable ebook very soon!

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10 Unexpected Uses For Coffee Filters That Go Beyond Brewing A Pot

From cleaning to gardening and more, learn how to make the most of your coffee filters.

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These days, it's hard to imagine life without coffee. Even if you can't abide the stuff, only drink decaf, or prefer a tall glass of sweet tea, coffee plays an important part in culture in the South and around the world. Can you imagine a Waffle House without a waitress offering coffee? Or a grandmama offering a slice of pie or cake without coffee to go with it? Or cowboys around the fire in the early morning light without a cup of coffee in hand? Coffee is a staple in kitchens and cafés and campouts around the world. For those of us who like to make a pot at home, our counters are stocked with a coffee maker , coffee beans , and coffee filters.

Filters are necessary for making drip coffee, of course, but those paper filters aren't just single use. Turns out they are pretty handy in all sorts of other household chores. My favorite use for a coffee filter is to use one to line an 8- or 9-inch cake pan when you don’t have parchment (or are too lazy to cut a perfect circle). Simply grease or spray the pan, flatten out a liner into the bottom of the pan, then spray or grease again, and in my experience, you’re good to go and the cake (or even coffee cake) easily slides out of the pan. 

Here are some actual experts with other uses for coffee filters outside of making the perfect cup of joe:

Planter Liner

“I grow a lot of herbs and veggies in my garden, and my favorite way to use coffee filters is by lining planting pots with filters! They help stop the planting material like pearlite and clay pebbles from falling out of the holes while also still allowing the pots to drain,” suggested Lindsey Neumayer of a Recipe for Fun .

Mini Greenhouse

“Transform a coffee filter into a mini greenhouse by placing it over the top of a small plant pot. It helps retain moisture and warmth, giving your seedlings the perfect start,” recommends home organizer Melanie Summers of I Speak Organized .

Instant Strainer

“A smart way to use a coffee filter is to have them strain homemade sauces, juices, and broths,” suggests Malak Bellajdel, an interior design expert at Interior Moderna . “They catch all the little bits you don’t want. It really comes in hand when you don’t have a cheesecloth or a regular metal strainer.” 

Window Cleaner

“Your trusty coffee filters can do more than just brew your morning cup of joe-they’re also fantastic for keeping your mirrors, glass, and other surfaces sparkling clean without any annoying streaks. Just dampen a coffee filter with a solution of water + vinegar or your preferred glass cleaner, and the lint-free material of coffee filters ensures a streak-free shine every time you wipe down your surfaces. Make sure the filter is not too wet, just slightly dampened. Give it a try and see the difference!” says Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean , a house cleaning service in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

DIY Dryer Sheet

"Coffee filters can come in handy as DIY dryer sheets. All you need to do is add a couple of drops of an essential oil you like to a filter and throw it in with your laundry. It works so well for making your clothes smell good without all the chemicals in regular dryer sheets,” suggests Bellajdel.

Grease-Free Microwave Cover

“Use a coffee filter as a cover for dishes in the microwave to prevent splatters. It's a simple way to keep your microwave clean without using plastic,” suggests Summers.

Lint-Free Cleaner

“Coffee filters, unlike paper towels don't contain lint, so they make a great option for cleaning windows, mirrors, and electronics, polishing shoes, drying glasses and even greasing a cookie sheet,” says Michael Clarke, founder of Pulled , a home management platform.

DIY Tea Bag

“Fill a coffee filter with loose leaf tea, tie it with a string, and voila! You've got a homemade tea bag ready for steeping,” says Summers of of I Speak Organized .

Blotting Paper

“A really interesting one is using them as blotting papers for oily skin. They soak up shine without messing up your makeup. They’re also much more affordable than blotting sheets. You can just quickly grab a few from the kitchen before heading out," suggests Bellajdel of Interior Moderna .

Odor Absorber 

“Place a few tablespoons of baking soda in a coffee filter, secure it with a rubber band, and tuck it into shoes, gym bags, or the fridge to absorb odors,” recommends home organizer Summers. 

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