Ingredients
- 1 sheet of 5 by 7 inch watercolor paper, 140-pound weight or heavier
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 small bowl, about 8 fluid ounces
- 1 teaspoon, for stirring
- 1 small round paintbrush, about 1/4 inch wide
- 1 pencil with a soft point
- 1 sheet of scrap paper, at least 8 by 10 inches
- 1 small sheet of wax paper, about 8 by 10 inches
- 1 set of 6 watercolor paints or liquid food coloring, optional for color
- 1 cup clean water, for rinsing the brush
- 1 clean cotton cloth, for wiping spills
- 1 pair of disposable gloves, optional for sticky fingers
- 1 flat tray or baking sheet, at least 9 by 12 inches
- 1 roll of painter's tape, about 1 inch wide
Instructions
- Cover the table with a sheet of scrap paper and set the flat tray on top.
- Lay the 5 by 7 inch watercolor paper on the tray. Tape the corners lightly with painter's tape if the edges curl.
- Use the pencil to draw a few broad shapes on the paper, such as leaf, star, flower, or geometric patterns.
- Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons warm water in the small bowl, stirring until the mixture looks glossy.
- If desired, stir in 1 teaspoon of watercolor paint or three drops of liquid food coloring, keeping it pale.
- Test the mixture by brushing a small line on the scrap paper; adjust by adding sugar or water as needed.
- Load the brush lightly and paint the main shapes as per your pencil marks, using slow strokes.
- While the painted area is still tacky, sprinkle a few dry sugar grains onto it.
- Leave uneven marks or soften them with a barely damp brush.
- If adding a second color, wait 5 minutes before applying it next to the first.
- Move the artwork carefully to the wax paper for drying.
- After 8 hours, touch an outside corner to check if it feels dry. If still sticky, leave for another 4 hours.
- Once dry, peel away the painter's tape and clean up the materials.
Notes
This project is suitable for children ages 4 and up with adult supervision. Use warm water instead of boiling water in the mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
