Valentine Card with Negative Space Resist

Use contact paper and masking tape to create a resist for a beautiful watercolor wash background!

Materials:

• Contact paper, 4 pieces 3" x 4"
• Masking tape or painter's tape (Lessen the tackiness by sticking the tape onto your clothes first, that way it won't tear your paper when you remove it.)
• Scissors
• Watercolor paper, 9”x 12” (the Strathmore “Kids Paint Pad” is a good low-cost option)
• Watercolors and brush
• Water and containers

Directions:

1. Fold your paper in half and tape around the inside of each edge on the right half to create a border.
2. Draw the letters L-O-V-E or X-O-X-O on the side of the contact paper that has the adhesive on it, then draw an outline letter around it. (Make sure you don’t draw your letters on the backing paper or they will come out in reverse!)
3. Cut out your letters.
4. Remove the backing paper from your letters and press them onto the right half of your watercolor paper. Rub well with your fingers, especially around the edges of each letter, to get a good seal.
5. Next, paint a colorful, wet-on-wet background over the right half of your paper. Check the edges all around your letters to make sure you haven’t left any areas unpainted.
6. Let dry for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove the contact paper to reveal your design!