Scratch Art Project

Scratch art projects have been a huge hit for the children I've worked with over the years. Recently, at our annual nanny-child picnic, we did a scratch art bookmark project. All ages loved creating this project. I know you'll love it too. Here are two techniques for making your own scratch art. You can find scratch art paper and projects at craft stores or through online craft suppliers. However, I think making your own scratch art paper is easy, economical and a creative outlet for children.

I like to use a nice quality paper as a base. If the project is to be something that will last over time I prefer a card stock weight. For best results
 start with white paper. We have done this with colored papers before but the children were a little disappointed with the results. The middle child was always the experimenter and enjoyed trying different types of paper to see what was best. He agreed with me that card stock weight or heavy construction paper netted the best finished look. If you have an experimenter in your house - let them try a variety of paper types themselves. This exploration is a whole project unto itself.

Besides your options on paper you'll need crayons. This is a crayon intense project so one package of crayons may not be enough. We always have a tub of crayons of all sizes and colors at the ready for any project. I have a bias toward Crayola - their colors are intense, varied and they have just the right wax-to-color ratio. There are other good crayon options out there as well but the ones that are very waxy with subdued colors are not a good match for this project.


Technique #1

• Have the child color their selected paper leaving no white paper showing. They should use many different colors for the most exciting results and the brighter the color the better the finished project. The only "color rule" is no black - you'll see why as you read along. They may want to have a specific pattern or just random sections of color. I try not to give too much direction on the color selection or way they are coloring - after all it is their creation.

• Once the paper is completely covered in glorious color, out come the black crayons to color over everything. I know what you are thinking but this will be quite amazing when it's done. The children may find that they can still see some color coming through the black - that's OK they just want a good coating of black over the whole page.

• Once the black crayon step is completed then they'll begin the scratch art part. You'll need at least one scratching tool for each child. A toothpick works well or a sharpened dowel is a good choice too. The key is that is not too sharp for safety and so it doesn't poke right through the paper. I file toothpicks down using a coarse nail file so they are more rounded on the tip. This works well for small hands and all kinds of details. So let's get scratching! Scratch over the black crayon to reveal the color beneath. Here is where their design or picture creativity comes in play. If they scratch hard enough they could scratch the color off too but usually not without damaging the paper itself. So this is a lesson in pressure as well as creative art time! The results are beautiful.

Technique #2

• You start this technique in the same way described in #1, but instead of using black crayon a coating of black tempra paint is used. Applying the black tempra paint with a sponge brush works very well. You need a coating of paint but not a soaking. The paint needs time to dry completely. Waiting for the paint to dry is very challenging for young children so having another activity they can do while they are waiting is a good idea. Once dry you can proceed to scratching the paint off to reveal the color crayon underneath. The contrast is very striking.

Helpful Hints

• We use a table covering for this project. The coloring will leave crayon particles about then again when you scratch off the black there will be more bits coming off. I use a vinyl table cloth that is easily wiped when we are done - it's great for all kinds of art projects.
• I also had the children wear an art coverup for this and other art projects or they will be wearing crayon bits and distributing them throughout the house. An old shirt either button down or t-shirt is great, and make it adult size so it really covers them. There are art smocks you can purchase if you are interested in those.
• When they get ready to do the scratching portion of the project having a large piece of cardboard underneath the paper will be helpful. First it protects the table and your table covering from the pressure of the scratching. Second it gives a bit of cushion as the child presses with their tool and helps minimize poking through the paper.
• You can make several pieces of scratching paper ahead of time to have on hand. Scratch project paper is part of the everyday art options.
• You'll find that some of these creations are worth framing! I had a black mats at the ready, slipped their art work behind the mat and slid the whole thing in under a plastic boxed frame. It's beautiful and very easy to switch out one piece of art for another! You can create a ever varying art gallery right in your own home. Remember to hang art projects low enough so the children can appreciate them as well.

Another Option

• Crayon Resist is another project that has a lot of similar steps involved. This time the child will create whatever they wish in crayon and leave areas of white paper exposed. Then follow with a wash of watercolor paint. We liked using black, blue or purple as our wash colors. The waxy crayon areas will resist the watercolor while the white paper will absorb the watercolor resulting in a new masterpiece. Great for underwater and night scenes as well as shadowy images. Another great activity for the one that loves experimenting. Crayon resist also works fabulously when dying Easter eggs.

Enjoy!!