How to Make Your Own Scratch Art
Yield: 1
Cost: $10
Equipment
- bowl for mixing paint
- foam paint brush
- wooden skewer
- newspaper to place under the cardstock for painting
Materials
- white cardstock
- crayons - a variety of colors
- black acrylic paint
- dish soap
Instructions
- **Color the cardstock.** Use bright wax crayons to cover the white cardstock in thick bands of color. Press firmly to create a heavy layer of wax, leaving as few white gaps as possible. I found that bold, vertical rainbow bands worked especially well.
- **Mix the paint.** In a small bowl or disposable cup, combine equal amounts of black paint and dish soap. About 1/4 cup of the combined mixture should be enough for four sheets of paper.
- **Protect your work surface.** Spread newspaper over the table before painting.
- **Paint the paper.** Use a foam brush to cover the colored cardstock with the black paint mixture. If the wax resists the paint in some areas, do your best to cover those spots. You can go back with a second coat if needed.
- **Let it dry completely.** Set the painted cardstock aside until the black coating is completely dry.
- **Create your scratch art.** Use a rounded-end chopstick or a wooden skewer with the sharp tip removed to scratch designs into the black coating, revealing the colorful crayons underneath.
Notes
- Cardstock works best. I've tried both construction paper and cardstock. I prefer cardstock because it holds up better to scratching and the crayons go on more smoothly.
- Use plenty of crayon. Press firmly and cover the paper thoroughly so the colors show through when scratched.
- Paint options: I've used both black acrylic and black tempera paint for this project.
- Safety: Adult supervision is recommended. Remove the pointed tip of a wooden skewer before letting children use it.