How To Use Ink Daubers With Kids
Bingo daubers filled with India ink are one of our favorite ways to get fun line drawings with elementary-aged children. Ink daubers are an art supply you must try with children.
Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed are our own. This post may contain affiliate links when clicked, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full privacy policy.
What are ink daubers?
Ink daubers are classic bingo daubers filled with diluted India ink. They are awesome because they give you a nice and bold dark line.
Can young children use them?
Yes as long as you are okay with them using a semi-permanent supply. Even diluted India ink will stain clothes.
We have had success with Kindergarteners using them without a problem. You just have to reinforce that you do not squeeze the bottle.
Issues You May Face
Some students will have a really hard time with the fact that they can’t erase. We think this is a great way to encourage mistakes and spontaneity. Just give your children a heads up beforehand so they can mentally prepare.
How To “Start” The Ink Daubers
An adult can squeeze the bottle and draw practice lines on a separate piece of paper. This wets the tip with enough ink for a child to do their project or drawing without really having to squeeze the bottle.
Where can I purchase daubers to fill?
Most art stores will have empty bingo dauber bottles. When searching you may want to look for some other ways they may be listed such as:
- Empty Bingo Dauber Bottle
- Marker Bottle, Dauber Tip and Cap
Here are a few listings we have found:
How to refill ink daubers?
It can be a little messy, but you just pop the top off and fill it. We like to have a large India ink bottle already diluted so it can just get poured right in.
As always make sure you label whatever you are using so that people know exactly what is in bottles in your home or classroom.
Tips For Using Ink Daubers With Kids
- Don’t let them squeeze the bottle.
- “Start” the ink for them on a separate piece of paper. As we are passing them out we lightly squeeze and make a mark on scrap paper.
- Show students what will happen if you scrap your hand across the ink. By seeing you ruin or smear the wet ink they are more likely to be more careful.
- Keep line drawings simple. If children add too many details it can become a mess.
- If students need to add small details use a Sharpie once the drawings dry.
- Make sure to dry ink drawings on a flat surface. Some drying racks has a slight tilt and ink may drip if kids pressed too hard with the dauber.
Projects That Use Ink Daubers
Large Artworks
Don’t be scared of that bulletin board paper or 18” x 24” paper in your closet. Ink daubers are the perfect way to get kids to drawly largely.
Simple drawings or large drawings are great for using ink daubers. You can get a nice clean line to start an art project.
Self-Portraits
We love creating large self-portraits with kids using bold lines.
Group Projects
Did someone just ask you to make a sign or something for a bulletin board? Draw it quickly with ink and let it dry. Let any students add patterns and designs afterward. The thick lines help keep it looking neat without taking away children’s creativity.
In Glow-In-The-Dark Projects
These folk art landscapes were the perfect drawing to try with ink before using neon oil pastels.
Other Ways To Use Ink Daubers
- To Create Textures or Dots
- For Abstract Drawings
- Drawing To Music
Related Art Projects For Kids
- Pinch Pot Ideas All Kids Love
- Easy Word Art Collage Lesson
Be sure to explore other elementary art lessons for inspiration for your next art project.
Follow us on Pinterest for more free art and craft ideas!
