Create Stunning DIY Galaxy Art with Bubble Wrap Stamps

Got bubble wrap lying around from a delivery? Don’t pop it all — turn it into galaxy art. This is one of those weekend projects that’s genuinely fun for all ages: paint one side of the bubble wrap, press it onto a canvas, and watch deep-space textures emerge. No drawing skills required.

The bubble texture does all the work, creating nebulas, craters, and star fields from simple acrylic paint. Hang the finished piece in a cozy corner and it invites conversation every time someone walks by.

What You’ll Need

Bubble wrap (any size works well)
Acrylic paints — cool dark blues, purples, bright whites, and a touch of black for depth
A canvas or thick paper (sturdy enough to hold paint)
Paintbrushes, medium-sized (for painting on the bubble wrap)
A plate or palette for mixing colors
Paper towels or rags (for cleanup)
Optional: glitter or metallic paints (for a sparkling touch)

Step 1: Set Up

Lay down old newspaper or a cloth under your canvas to catch spills.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors

Squeeze small amounts of paint onto your palette, arranging them in a pleasing way.

Step 3: Paint the Bubble Wrap

Take a piece of bubble wrap and paint one side with your selected color. Use a brush or your fingers — there’s no right way.

Step 4: Stamp It

Carefully flip the bubble wrap over and press it onto the canvas. Apply gentle pressure so the paint transfers smoothly.

Step 5: Layer It

Release and repeat, adding different colors and overlapping stamped impressions to create depth and interest.

Step 6: Add Stars

For stars, use a lighter color to gently dab points of paint in various areas.

Step 7: Add Sparkle

Sprinkle glitter or use metallic paint on certain areas while the paint is still wet.

Step 8: Dry and Admire

Set your canvas aside to dry, letting the colors meld while you step back and admire your creation. Acrylics typically take a couple of hours to dry completely, depending on thickness and air circulation.

Tips from My Workbench

Try other textures: Sponges, leaves, foam sheets, or corrugated cardboard all make unique stamps.
Make it a family project: Everyone makes their own galaxy — display them together as a constellation of art.
Mix new shades: A serene teal or deep maroon can take your galaxy somewhere unexpected.
Go monochrome: Black and white only makes a rich, high-contrast starry night.
Add hand-drawn elements: Markers after the paint dries bring extra personality.

Good to Know

Watercolors instead? They give a softer effect, but layering won’t be as bold as acrylics. No bubble wrap? Foam sheets or corrugated cardboard work as substitutes. Kids: absolutely — just supervise with the paint. Mistakes: embrace them as happy accidents, or cover with white paint and stamp over. Reuse: rinse the bubble wrap in warm water, dry flat, and store it for next time; use leftover paint for smaller artworks or galaxy-design greeting cards.

Source inspiration: dogsrecipes.com — bubble wrap stamps forming colorful galaxy patterns.