Classroom Hack: Creating Prints Using Styrofoam Cups

I wanted my students to simulate making prints with engraving. Unfortunately I don't have the materials or the money to purchase them. After some experimentation I decided that we could make prints using styrofoam cups. Simply carve the scene into the cup and then add paint and roll!

Example of letters created with marker. I created this to show students how the letters need to be written backwards for them to print correctly.

This is my first attempt at making a print. I smeared paint on top of a desk and rolled the carved cup in it. This is the print created after rolling it on the paper. 

Mr. Layne, my student teacher, created this. We had been experimenting with different types of paint/markers and we liked this outcome. The paint is glass paint that is used to write on things like automobile windows. I am really pleased with the amount of detail that comes through and with the interesting texture created by this paint.