Tinting' With Crayons

Crayons Aren't Paints - Even though ironing softens the crayon, their hard nature means that some of the texture of the fabric and the strokes you make will show though - just like when you make a rubbing over a penny. Making your strokes in the same direction can be challenging in large areas, which is why projects with smaller individual areas of color are best suited to crayon tinting.

Tip; Practice on extra muslin first.

Supplies - Muslin fabric, 24 colors of crayons (or more), embroidery floss, embroidery hoop, micron pen, needle.

Crayon Hints - Besides being convenient, crayons come in beautiful colors and aren't intimidating. Simply color in the spaces to create the look you want.

Build Up Color, Edges In - Add layers of crayon with the strokes going in one direction, or opposite directions for a darker effect. Start lightly - you can always add more. Shading built up from the edges inward helps model or add depth to pieces, so that the tinted areas are not only colorful but three-dimensional as well. You can even choose to leave an area completely open to give a strong highlight.

Use the Correct End - For filling in color, the blunt end of the crayon works best and it works even better if its hard edge is rounded off a little before you start. Keep the pointed end for details or adding a fine shaded line to edges.

Tip: Let the Fabric Do the Work - A shaded fabric (white on white or off white) adds depth to your shading. Larger designs ar a little better that fine ones because they give more variety.

1. Position fabric over a pattern, secure corners with masking tape. Trace pattern outline directly onto muslin with a blue-line water erase pen or a pencil.
2. Place fabric on a pad of extra fabric and color areas with regular children's crayons. Color the pattern well with crayon color.
3. Sandwich the fabric between two sheets of plain paper. Iron on 'cotton' setting to 'set' the crayon colors.
4. If desired, back design with another piece of fabric, place fabric or layers in an embroidery hoop. Use 3-ply floss too outline design.

PS; A tip of my own, when you sandwich the fabric between two sheets of paper, you might want to use layers of paper towels with brown paper bags on the outside. This will help to absorb the wax from the crayons.