Keeping the Kiddos Busy

Crayon etching is easy to do and requires few tools.  You and your children can make stunning designs with it. The first step is to color a sheet of paper with different color patterns, using crayons.  It is best to use light colors at this stage. Then, using a black crayon, color over the color patterns. Once the sheet of paper is all black, use a popsicle stick, a barbecue stick,  a tooth pick, or any other etching tool of your choice to scratch out your design. A more detailed tutorial can be watched here . You and your children will be fascinated to see your design as you etch it. The colors will seem to glow out of the black background.

Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Einbanddurchreibung_von_Stempeln_%280116%29.jpg "Tripsigraph" is just a fancy term for "rubbing". A rubbing is very easy to make. Put any textured object - a coin, a leaf, a doily, etc. - under a sheet of paper, then, using a crayon or a soft-grade pencil, rub the surface of the paper that covers the textured item. You will end up with an impression of the item on the sheet of paper. Your kids (and most likely you too) will enjoy making rubbings. And there are many things you can do with them. They can stand alone as works of art, or you can mount them on thicker paper or cardboard  to make cards, bookmarks, gift tags, place cards, and other paper crafts. Have fun!