Art Activities for Kids ~ Wax Paper Resist
We have been exploring a new art technique, and loving it.  I am all about simple art projects for kids, and love finding new ways to encourage kids to be creative!  My kids had fun exploring and creating amazing patterns with our simple wax paper resist!  The results are amazing!
I am thrilled to be a part of a new art series all about exploring easy art projects for kids.   Did you see all the amazing watercolors posts that were shared last week?  I can’t believe all the talented and creative women in this group.
This week we are focusing on resist art for kids (I’ve included links to all the participating blogs at the end of this post).
Wax Paper Resist Art for Kids
We’ve tried a number of different resist techniques on Housing A Forest and love them all. Have you tried using oil pastels and watercolors; drizzling or painting with rubber cement or the classic favorite a simple white crayon?  They are all simple techniques that are perfect for little fingers.  However, today we are trying something new, and I have to say it may be my new favorite way to create a resist.
Wax Paper Resist Supplies:
- Wax Paper ~ the stuff that is in your kitchen drawer
- Iron ~ set it to a dry setting (NO steam)
- Ironing board or heat resistant surface
- Glossy White Paper ~ regular printer paper will work too, but the results will be less vibrant.
- Spray Bottles filled with Liquid Watercolors or food coloring
- Shallow plastic bin to contain the mess (optional)
Have the kids crumple the wax paper into a ball and then flatten it out.  We took 2 different approaches to how we crumpled the wax paper.  You can either make a ball, or make calculated folds (like origami).  You will see that both produce beautiful results.
(Please take precautions when using a hot iron with kids. Â You know your kids the best, so use your best judgement and be safe)Â
Next, sandwich the piece of wax paper between 2 pieces of glossy white paper. Â Make sure the glossy side is facing in.
My kids enjoy using the Iron under close supervision. Â For this project, they ironed the paper layers by slowly moving the iron back and forth. Â Make sure they keep the iron moving, or you will over melt the wax paper. Â We used a similar technique when making our Watercolor Crayon Shavings.
Sorry this is not a great image, but you get the idea.
This is what the paper looks like in the sunlight after it has been ironed. Â You can see the faint waxy pattern that was transferred. Â Instead of simply crumpling the paper this time, my son cut circles and then made calculated folds.
Colorful Resist patterns
Ready to make your beautiful resist pattern pop?
Once the ironing is complete, place it glossy side up in the bin. Â This will help contain the colorful spray. Â Randomly spray watercolors over the entire paper. Â The pattern left behind from the wax paper will begin to emerge as the paper is covered in bright spray. Â Magic!
 I love the beautiful organic resist patterns left behind from the wax paper.
There were lots of giggles as the patterns appeared. Â I have to admit, I was giggling right along with them. Â The patterns are so beautiful!
This resist technique is commonly used for making card backgrounds. Â I attended a workshop years ago, which is where I first learned about creating a wax paper resist background. Â Until then, I had no idea that wax paper could be so beautiful.
The image below was created using calculated circle folds (like origami). Â Amazing! Â We will be exploring this technique further. Â It was so easy and the kids loved the process.
Ready to be inspired? Â For more Art Activities for Kids, check out:
Tape Resist Art on Foil from Learn Play Imagine
Splatter Paint and Tape Resist from Buggy and Buddy
Watercolor Resist Easter Egg Garland from Fun At Home With Kids
 Clay Resist  from Babble Dabble Do
Resist Art Project: Andy Warhol from Art History Mom
Fabric Resist Art Pillows from Meri Cherry
Resist Art Stepping Stones from Twodaloo
Absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to try this out, too.
Thanks, I would love to hear how it goes Suzanne!
So beautiful! I want to try this. 🙂
Thanks Allison, I think your boys would love it!
I think I’m dense; why do you need glossy paper? This looks like a lot of fun!
Totally not sunny;) It works with most papers (including regular copy machine paper) we just found the colors were the brightest on glossy.
What a cool technique! Love it!
Thanks Stephanie;)
The results look gorgeous! My kids will definitely love this 🙂
Thanks Simone, we had so much fun exploring the process. Love to hear what they think.
Silly question, I think? When you iron it between two sheets of wax paper, does the wax go onto both sheets of paper, or is wax paper only waxy on one side? (I should know the answer to that but I don’t!)
It must be like magic to see the pattern emerge – I can’t wait to try this! I’ll be sharing it on The Crafty Crow soon 🙂
Does the colored water dry on the paper making hang-able art?
1, Great tute. How long does it take to dry? I don’t see any info-i am curious.
2. Do you “heat set” with paper layer between/under or etc?
3. Have you thought of doing what you did, and then, while wet, pressing white cotton fabric on top of the wax paper for a type of “reverse monoprint?” Probably want to head set that one. I am a fabric dyer. That is why I asked. Lovely technique.
What kind of glossy paper? Would glossy photo paper work? Thanks.
I am thinking it would be cool to do the circle fold idea but with snowflakes cut out of wax paper! Going to try that this weekend see how it comes out!
gorgeous
Hope you likey!
EPIC!!!!!