Arty Party | Rorschach Inkblot Trio

Skyler  E.

I love to research different unusual topics or historical events, searching out and reading books about them, then discussing it all with other people. I've always been like this, even as a kid I'd do research on a particular subject and then make an informational Powerpoint. For myself. For fun. 

Nowadays I don't go as far, but if you look in my purse you'll probably find a book about the history and practices of Roman Warfare. "Why?" you may ask. For that, I say "It's for fun!" 

One of the subjects I've found endlessly fascinating (and often times equal parts horrifying), are the various psychological tests and and practices from around the world and through time. So much strangeness! Which brings me to the Rorschach Inkblot Test, which you probably learned a little about in school. The creation and interpretation of these tests were meant to determine if one had an underlying "thought disorder". The patient would be asked to look at and describe ten official inkblots. Often this method was used on people who were reluctant to express their thinking process openly. It was originally meant to help diagnose schizophrenia, but eventually it started being used as a general personality test. Which is going a little far is you ask me! But, I digress. 

Now there are more valid and accurate ways of diagnosing such things but it's still, nonetheless, a captivating subject. Regardless of weather or not this test can help you express your untold dark secrets doesn't really matter to us, because all we care about right now is just how cool looking they are! Plus, so easy and fun to make!

What you'll need:

Paint (Any kind will work fine. I used wet watercolor that I've been meaning to experiment with)
1-2 small paintbrushes
A little bowl for your paint
A small glass of water 
Several sheets of white 8x8 paper (Enough to experiment with)
Frames (Optional)

I was considering using a nice high quality paper but I discovered that after I folded it the crease in the middle was very obvious so I tried out a sheet of crappy old printer paper and it looked surprisingly great! 

So I cut it into 8 x 8 inch squares. I used the little piece of cardboard that goes behind the picture frames I bought as a measuring tool. By the way, I bought three little black frames at Ben Franklin for under 20 dollars! Always check your local craft store. I would have never found them if I hadn't asked the guy who worked there, so thank you!!

Once you have your paper cut, fold it in half and then open it up again. I like to pre-fold all my paper beforehand so that once I start painting, I have everything all queued up and ready to go. 

Once you have everything ready, get painting on one side. I added a little bit of water to one edge of my bowl of paint. I played around painting with thick and thiner (water added) paint, splattering and trying out lots of different designs. 

Be generous with you paint. If the one side is too dry it won't leave a clear imprint when you fold it over and will look uneven. 

Once you're happy with your design, fold it over. Remember the wetter your paint, the larger the spread. 

The Original Inkblot Test Images

For inspiration I looked up other Rorschach Inkblots online, and I forced myself to paint a different shape on every new sheet of paper. I got so carried away I probably painted 30 different designs! Which is another reason why printer paper is a smart choice. 

Kids will absolutely love this project! The design is new every time so it won't get boring. I just turned up some music and got majorly carried away. 

I stayed with primary, but these inkblots would looks amazing in more trendy colors like electric pink, coral or a brilliant emerald green. 

Yes I used spoons to hold down my prints. I don't have paperweights and I swear I washed the spoons after... maybe. Uh, I mean yes!

What do you see?

I picked my three favorites, let them dry and then put them in these three little frames and presto! Awesome inkblot prints that look a little edgy and very chic. Plus it's a very relaxing, fun and simple project. If someone asks you what they are, you can thank me for telling you all about Rorschach. Now you have a conversation piece as well, yeah! 

Creating these designs is a really cool way to add an interesting touch of flair to a bland space. And since I just moved, it was exactly what I was looking for. I have a lot of other colors and designs left over which I will keep on hand and swap out the prints whenever I feel like it. Such an easy way to keep things fresh and new! 

Every design is a surprise and no two are alike. Grab a friend and spend an afternoon making some, you won't regret it. 

-skyler