Do you remember the rubbing alcohol and permanent marker trick from childhood—the one that created swirling, rainbow-like patterns reminiscent of Lisa Frank stationery? That playful, psychedelic look is exactly what this project recreates. I put together an easy tutorial so you can make your own colorful cloud art.
This DIY is incredibly simple and very forgiving, making it perfect for beginners. It’s also easy to scale: use a small frame for a compact piece or a larger frame for a bold wall-sized statement. If you’re seeking an affordable way to create large-scale art, this technique works great.
Materials
- Picture frame with glass (any size)
- Permanent markers (bold colors work best)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Paintbrush
- Spray sealant (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Carefully disassemble the picture frame and remove the glass. Put the frame aside while you work on the glass.
2. Choose your color palette and use permanent markers to fill the glass with broad blocks or shapes of color. There’s no strict pattern—make the colored areas large or small, organic or geometric, depending on the look you want.
3. Dip your paintbrush in rubbing alcohol and gently move the color across the glass to create cloud-like swirls. You can also drip alcohol directly onto the marker ink for a bubbled or more diffuse effect. Combining brushing and dripping creates varied textures and depth.
4. Continue blending until you’re satisfied with the coverage. Because you can always go back and adjust problem areas, the process is very forgiving. Optionally, spray a light coat of sealant over the glass while it lies flat and let it dry fully. If you prefer, you can skip the sealant and turn the painted side inward when rehousing the glass in the frame to protect the design.
5. Place the finished glass back into the frame, position a sheet of paper behind it as a background, and secure the backing. White paper provides a clean, bright backdrop, but you can experiment with any color to change the overall mood. Once assembled, your artwork is ready to hang.
Note: The rubbing alcohol will pick up marker pigment as you work, so it’s helpful to pour a small amount into a bowl and refresh it as it becomes colored. Keeping a clean supply will give you clearer blending when desired.
Photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
Assisted by Linda Jednaszewski
If you want a smaller take on this idea, try using the same technique on sturdy plastic or repurposed takeout containers to make colorful geometric bookmarks. It’s a quick, creative way to adapt the method for different formats.
What were some of your favorite childhood craft techniques? I’m always looking for nostalgic methods to revisit—share any favorites you think I should try next.