Sweet Art Project: Wax Resist Valentine’s Cards

Wax resist painting is a technique that's sure to fascinate kids of all ages! Today I'm showing you how the children in my daycare used this process to make the cards that they'll give to their parents on Valentine's Day.

The process is simple, supplies are minimal and the results are truly beautiful. Although I've known about wax resist painting for years, I've only recently tried it with my daycare kids. It's been a big hit!

The hooligans love the process of creating "invisible art" and bringing it to life with the touch of a paintbrush. I have to admit that I find the technique to be a little addictive myself! 

You Will Need:

• white crayon
• watercolour paints
• paint brushes
• white watercolour paper or card stock
• red cardstock (or whatever colour you want your card to be)
• glue

How To Make Wax Resist Art:

The concept is a simple one: oil and water don't mix. Therefore, when you draw a picture or write a message with a wax crayon, and then brush a layer of watercolour paint over it, the wax repels the paint, causing it either to run off it or to form tiny beads on it.

1. For our cards, we used white crayons to draw hearts and write Valentine's messages on squares and rectangles of white card stock. Then I filled an ice cube tray up with water, and added a couple of drops of liquid food colouring to each section. We are big fans of liquid watercolours here in my daycare, but any kind of watercolour paint will work for this project.

2. The hooligans brushed the paint over their drawings and these beautiful images were revealed!

3. While our paintings dried, the hooligans selected the cardstock that they wanted to use for their cards, and we finished by gluing our artwork to the cardstock.

You'll Also Love: Crayon Shaving Art For Valentine's Day

What a beautiful way for the children to wish a loved one a Happy Valentine's Day!

For more easy and inexpensive craft and activities for kids, please pop over and visit Happy Hooligans. 

This post was originally published in February 2014.