Watercolor Wax Resist!

Watercolor Wax Resist!

Need: watercolor paper, crayola crayons, watercolor, paint brushes, salt

This time we did something a little more simple. We used watercolor, crayons, and salt, to make a funky snowman.

First we discussed different items of clothing we could put on our funky snowman and different areas we could put the snowman on the paper. 

Next I used the elmo projector to show them how the project worked. By using a white crayon on watercolor paper you can draw snow and the white part of the snowman. I explained that you need to push hard on the paper (not too hard or you will break the crayon, which I demonstrated in class haha!) I also explained that you needed to fill every place that you don't want watercolor to show through with tons of crayon wax. 

When I did the different steps of the snowman on the elmo I  went around and showed each table the drawing. This was because it was hard to see the light because of using white on white on some areas. 

 I showed them simple snowflake crosses so that they put all over their paper and make it look like it was snowing!

 After explaining this I had the children to start drawing their snowmen. Using crayola crayons are the best for this project. Before we went to watercolor I went around and made sure each had enough wax on their paper for the watercolor would work.

Next on the elmo I showed them how to use watercolor. I said to use some color with a lot of water (that is the key, too much watercolor is going to hide the wax). The kids were amazed when "magically" the wax repelled the crayon! Magically snow flakes showed up and my snowman showed up! Then while the paint was still  wet I put some salt on top. This made the watercolor look even cooler and snowy!

 I told the children that when they were ready and their paper was super wet (no dry spots!) then I would come by and add the salt!

The kids really enjoyed this project! They got a little carried away with a lot of watercolor but hey it was their first time using watercolor. They are first graders discovering the world!

**I got a new camera and got a little crazy taking all of these pictures!

**The teacher decided she wanted to put them all on black paper and display them in the hall!

Displayed snowmen!

They look so good!