How to Make Tempera Batik Art

Tempera batik art is a great craft project for kids at least first grade or older. It will help them to explore the use of color and to develop some basic painting skills. The result is a painting that will look very much like actual batik.

Things You'll Need

• Tag board or construction paper
• Containers for water
• Sponge brushes
• Tempera or poster paints
• Chalk
• Waterproof India ink
• Art gum eraser
• Tissues
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Draw a simple picture on the tag board or construction paper with white chalk, using heavy chalk lines.

2. Apply several layers of paint inside the chalk lines, letting the paint dry between each layer. Don't paint on the chalk lines, but if you do, you can easily scrap it off. Leave a space between each color.

3. Allow the paint to dry completely and carefully remove the chalk lines with art gum or tissues.

4. Pour a small amount of waterproof India ink in a shallow container and gently apply a thin layer of ink to the painting, without overlapping brush strokes.

5. Allow the ink to dry for 30 minutes. Take the painting to a sink and let cool water to run over it, rubbing gently to remove the India ink. Don't let the ink dry completely, because it will be difficult to remove.

6. Lay the painting on a layer of newspapers to dry. Mat and frame the artwork.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a sturdy surface for the painting, a sheet of Masonite works well.