Encaustic

Use wax blocks and a hot iron to create beautiful backgrounds.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Set the iron on low temperature.
   
   Optional:
   Stamp image with Stazon™.

   

2. Step 2

   When the iron is warm, turn it over and coat the surface with wax in the colors you want to use.

   

3. Step 3

   Place the iron on the paper and move it around lightly. Explore different movements and lifts. Don´t worry about the result, you can go over it as many times as you want. When you are satisfied with the result, clean the iron on some scrap paper.

   

4. Step 4

   Choose some other colors and move the iron over the paper in both directions without lifting it till you´re satisfied with the result.

   

5. Step 5

   Wipe the painting with a tissue to make it shiny.

   

6. Step 6

   Select the part of the painting you like and cut it out. The rest can be used for another project.

   

7. Step 7

   Finish your card.

   

Video!

Variations

1. Printed background
   Try the technique on glossy magazine pages for a different look.
   
   

   

2. Stamp it!
   Stamp images with Stazon or Jet Black Archival ink on your finished background.
   
   Or for more advanced Encaustic painting...create your background, stamp your image and then cover it with clear wax. Next color your image with wax and stylus tool.
   
   Don't have any Encaustic Wax yet?
   Try our Melted Crayon Background tutorial.

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Encaustic. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!