This amazing piece of abstract art is the result of a failed experiment, it just goes to show…
mistakes are often magic in the making!
Elmer’s blue school gel can be used to make batik fabric, it peels right off and leaves behind contrasting white stripes. I hoped to recreate the same thing on paper (like you would with rubber cement, but a less stinky option for working with kids). It didn’t work.
I’m not chalking this up as a failure, I think this is a pretty darn cool piece of art!
The glue reacted with the paint in such a unique way – the photo doesn’t really capture how raised it is. The organic shape, texture and the reflectiveness are stunning. The glue appears to be “wet” and magnifies the paint underneath.
The white starbursts seen throughout the painting are pockets of salt on the liquid watercolors. It’s a clever little piece of magic to watch the salt chase away the pigment underneath it.
If you haven’t tried salt and watercolors together, you must add it to your to-do list. This is a creative, abstract watercolor piece that any kid and toddler can make (and you can be proud to display).
Here is EXACTLY how we did this:
- Grab some Elmer’s Blue School Gel and “draw” all over a piece of thick water color paper with it.
- Let the glue dry, the longer it dries, the more “3D” the painting will appear. We left it 8 hours.
- Once the glue is dry, paint over your picture and the glue using liquid watercolors.
- While the watercolors are still wet, sprinkle with salt (any kind in your kitchen will do)
Speaking of liquid watercolors, check these out. I’m always receiving emails about where to buy them, and these are one of my favorite brands (and the ones that seem to be non-staining, especially important if you’re making Bathtub Puffy Paint!)
Here are the exact products I’ve used. I think the watercolor paper in a pack of 100 is the most affordable option in terms of paper. You want something really thick and the 15 sheet pads are really pricy at my local crafts store.
Looking for even more fun with your liquid watercolors? Try bathtub puffy paint, a tactile art experience that is mess free — and actually made of soap: