Ingredients
- 1 sheet of 8 by 10 inch black cardstock, 80 to 110 pounds (matte paper works best)
- 1 set of 12 soft chalk pastels, including white, blue, purple, pink, and green (artist or student grade)
- 1 white pastel pencil, approximately 3/8 inch thick (optional for brighter stars)
- 1 small jar containing 1 tablespoon of white washable tempera paint
- 1 small round paintbrush, size 4 or 6
- 1 old toothbrush, 1 inch wide (for star splatter)
- 4 cotton swabs, 3 inches long
- 2 clean cotton balls, approximately 1 inch wide
- 1 paper plate or scrap of cardboard, at least 9 by 12 inches (mixing surface)
- 1 sheet of newspaper or 1 plastic table cover, at least 24 by 36 inches
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves, adult or child size (optional)
- 1 small roll of painter's tape, 3/4 inch wide
- 1 aerosol art fixative, approximately 10 fluid ounces
- 1 clean, dry shoebox or flat cardboard box, at least 10 by 12 inches (drying area)
- 1 damp microfiber cloth, approximately 12 by 12 inches (cleanup)
Instructions
- Prepare the work area. Lay the newspaper or plastic cover over a stable table, then place the shoebox or flat cardboard box nearby for drying. Tape the four corners of the black cardstock to the paper plate or cardboard so the sheet does not slide while you blend.
- Choose a loose color plan. Set out blue, purple, pink, green, and white, but do not worry about using every shade. A simple galaxy often looks strongest with two dark colors, one bright color, and white.
- Add the darkest color first. Use the blue or purple pastel to make three or four uneven patches across the cardstock. Press lightly and leave some black paper showing.
- Layer the brighter colors. Add pink or green beside the darker patches, allowing some colors to overlap.
- Blend the first layer. Use a clean cotton swab for narrow areas and a cotton ball for broader areas. Move in small circles from the center of each color toward the black paper. Use gentle pressure.
- Build the cloudy glow. Add a second, lighter pass of pink, blue, or green over the blended patches. Leave a little of the first layer visible around each edge.
- Soften any harsh marks. If a line looks too strong, use a clean cotton swab to blur just that edge.
- Add a pale center. Use white pastel sparingly in one or two small areas where you want the galaxy to glow.
- Make the stars. Dip the old toothbrush into the tablespoon of white tempera paint, then hold it about 6 inches above the paper. Pull your thumb across the bristles to flick small dots.
- Add a few larger stars. Use the white pastel pencil to place five to eight tiny dots or four-point stars among the splatters.
- Let mistakes stay gentle. Blend one area with a clean cotton ball, add a small new color cloud, or leave the irregular texture as part of the night sky.
- Dry the artwork. Set the picture flat inside the shoebox or on the protected cardboard, away from fans and busy hands. Allow the paint to dry for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Apply the fixative. An adult should take the artwork outdoors or to an open garage and spray one very light coat of fixative.
- Clean up and finish. Remove the tape after the artwork dries, wiping the edges with the damp microfiber cloth if loose powder remains.
Notes
Chalk pastel dust can irritate sensitive eyes and lungs, so keep the paper flat and avoid blowing dust. Supervision is recommended for children, especially with pastels and small tools.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
