Watercolor Resist Web

Draw a web with a white crayon, paint over it and watch it appear! Wax and water don't mix, so the paint slides right off the crayon lines. It's a little bit of art and a little bit of magic.

What you need

• A white crayon

• White paper or watercolor paper

• Watercolor paints and a brush

• A cup of water

• Painter's tape to hold the paper down (optional)

How to do it

1. Draw the web. Help your child draw lines from the middle out, like spokes. Then draw circles going around. Press hard! It's okay if it looks wobbly.

2. Look closely. Hold the paper up. "Can you see the web? It's hiding!"

3. Paint over it. Brush watercolor all over the page, one color or many.

4. Watch it appear. The white lines pop out wherever the crayon is.

5. Talk about it. "Why didn't the paint stick to the lines?"

Why we love it

It feels like magic, but it's science: wax keeps the water out. Drawing lines and circles is also the same practice kids need for writing letters like G.

Tips from our table

• Grown-ups can draw the web first with younger kids. Older kids love drawing their own secret web.

• Dark colors like purple and blue show the web best.

• Washable watercolors still stain some fabrics. Use a smock and cover the table.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Crayola white crayons

• Crayola watercolor pad

• Crayola washable watercolors

• ScotchBlue painter's tape

• Kids art smocks

• Shop everything for Week 7: Spiders

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Spider activities, Letter G activities and Number 7 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.