Homemade Holidays: Crayon Rubbing Resist Party Invite or Gift Card

A simple rubbing resist technique for a variety of ages.  We are going to use this as a gift card, but wouldn’t it make a cute party invite?

Materials

• Thin cardboard, bristol board etc. (We used a cereal box)
• 2 blank card sets (or make your own out of cardstock)
• Scissors
• Wax crayons
• Watercolour paints (we used liquid watercolurs)
• Paint brush
• Tape (*For younger children)
• Craft tray
• Smock

Optional (if you want your card to look like a garland)

• Coloured paper for backing
• Glue stick
• Cord

Directions

• Cut a shape out of your thin cardboard.

• Open your card and insert your cardboard cut out.  To make it stay in place for younger children, attach it with a tape loop with the sticky sides out.

• Take the wrapper off your crayon, lay it sideways and rub it over your card, over your shape.  Be sure to push down firmly to create the outline of your shape.

• Paint over your rubbing with watercolour.  Allow to dry overnight.

• You can do the same with your envelope, tucking a shape inside.

• We then cut the shapes out, backed them on coloured paper and cut them out again, gluing them on a piece of cord (and to the card itself) to give the look of a garland.

• If you use this technique for a party invite, be sure to write the details of your party inside before popping it into your envelope and giving it out to friends, neighbours, family etc.!

Purpose

• Creating exciting materials/opportunities for writing

Safety Notes

• Be sure to wear a smock and use a craft tray to protect clothes and surfaces.
• Use scissors with care and adult supervision.