clean edges for crazy scribbles

there’s something so satisfying about peeling away artist’s tape from borders of paper when a piece of art is finished. i always tape off the edges of my paper when i watercolor or use chalk pastels in my own art, and i’ve discovered that it really bumps up the sophistication level of kid art, too.

novi made this at 14 months old

novi made this at 14 months old (i did the rainbow at the bottom)

just wanted to share the technique, as it creates a wonderful container for the scribbles of your wee littles. using watercolor tape ($$$), blue painter’s tape ($$), or masking tape ($), you can tape around the border of a piece of paper, or divide a large sheet of paper up into several sections. (you’re paying for a gratifying peel-away without ripping your paper.)

setting boundaries

setting boundaries. ah, what a metaphor for parenting a 2-year-old

let the coloring begin! coloring up to and across the borders makes a really great effect. here, novi colored with crayola washable markers and crayons.

scribble fest!

scribble fest!

once the tape is peeled away, the results are so satisfying!

clean edges

clean edges

it’s as if they’re already matted. all you need now is a frame (or a clothespin!)

faux matted

Related posts:

  1. earliest art experiences
  2. many mini painted greetings
  3. the initial reveal
  4. scratch drawings
  5. who can resist watercolors?

09.08

2009
printer friendly printer friendly

4 Comments Add Yours ↓

  1. Tiffany Hatch #
    1

    Wow, what a great idea. I will have to do that today!

  2. 2

    Wow. I remember do that in various art classes, but never thought about doing it with my daughter’s art. Such a clever idea!

  3. janelle railey #
    3

    jen…you’ve done it again. i’m in awe, completely inspired and wish you were here, or better, i was there to enjoy this with you. i’m going to try this today with eleanor.

  4. Kali Sword #
    4

    THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! This made my project go by so much easier and turned out world’s better!

    My gratitude is limitless!

    Kali


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