Wash Off Technique

Well it's been an interesting week...on Friday my Laptop died...I tried to boot it up and it kept telling me it couldn't find a hard drive.  Luckily it's still under warranty so the man from Dell will drop by next week to fix it fingers crossed.  I haven't been able to get a lot of computer time so I thought I'd share a project describing a wash off technique.  Sorry but I don't have a lot of photos for this one. 

You need some heavy duty watercolor paper (140lb)....use that Michaels coupon and buy a strathmore pad.  Another good alternative comes courtsey of Costco for FREE.  Go to the paper products section...in between the toliet paper and paper towels you'll find large sheets of heavy duty paper that they put between the stacks.  It's usually lying on the floor or shoved to the side.  Pick up 1 or 2 or 3, roll it up put it in your cart..... they let you have it for free.

Take your paper and sketch out a design.  Now for my example I only used  2 colors... but you could use more.  I'm hoping to show you an idea in the next few days using more color so stay tuned.  Using tempera paint (water soluable) paint in all the sections you want to stay white.  I used a grey shade. Don't pick a really dark color as it might leave a bit of residue /staining behind unless you are trying to achieve that look.

When it has dried take ACRYLIC paint and paint over the entire surface. Leave to dry.   When dry take to the sink and wash under warm water.  Whever you have painted with the tempera will lift off revealing your design in white.  It also takes on this really nice weathered look due to the wash...almost batik like.

When you start washing you'll realize why you need the heavy paper....use your fingers to help scrub the paint off.

It's a really cool effect.  Let dry. That's it give it a try. A very interesting technique for the kids.

In other news...I've made progress on the dollhouse.  I put the roof on today and just have to build the tower room.  A lot bigger than I expected so I'm working from the floor.

My daughter and I have have narrowed it down a bit...we're thinking we'll make it into the Bennet house from "Pride and Predjudice"......

Already planning the room decor.

Hope to see you soon with a new take on the wash off technique as well as some great clay projects in process from Grade 2 and 3.  I'm taking my good camera to school so I hope to also bring you some photos of this year's rookery of the Grade One Penguins. 

Take care!