save your markers, make your mark - Upcylced Liquid Watercolors

This post exists as a part of a move Towards a Sustainable Art Classroom. Click the link to see more upcycled projects and classroom tips.

This is a well known secret of the elementary art world - you can turn your dried out markers into vibrant, liquid watercolors. Simply save your dried out markers and soak in water overnight (or if you're as busy and forgetful as me, many nights) and it will soak out the remaining pigment. 

I have since come up with many uses for these liquids, and soon hope to develop a use for the leftover, empty marker cartridges. (You can ship markers of any brand to Crayola to recycle, but there is conflicting information about whether their companies practices are actually sustainable.)

Below are some great uses for these liquids:

DIY- SOLID watercolor palettes 
(refill your empty trays!)

Color mixing experiments (coming soon)