Last week I taught a new technique to a few of my 3rd grade classes, to foster more variety among their buttons. I ended up also teaching it to a few 5th graders, and a couple of 4th graders, as well. Add one of our fabulous EAs (Educational Assistants), and our TAG teacher to the list, too! It is a modified version of a process called “Polished Stone Technique” (or, PST) that is usually done on glossy card stock using alcohol inks.
In my modified version, students apply patches of analogous colors using permanent markers on shrink plastic. (which is why I was teaching my 3trd graders this technique). Then, 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol is dabbed on in small amounts with a brush. Tap-tap, up-and-down with the brush, on top of the color patches. Not swish-swish, side-to-side, which leaves brush marks. The rubbing alcohol dissolves the ink and causes it to spead out. The color then becomes more concentrated near the edges of the applied alcohol drops, and very pale in the middle. It is really a cool process, and the results are not fully visible until the piece is shrunk. Then…WOW.
You must see the photos! I must post some. Again, this weekend has whooshed by, and I have still not worked through all of my technical issues. Please be patient! I will get the photos up, I promise!
2 responses so far ↓
I woke in the midle of the night and then,I decited to log onto your blog. .Once Iwas was on, I noticed that you had a new artical!I got really excited, and a wide grin sweep across my face! I read it . I have a qustion though. Why don’t you teach this new technique,the polished stone technique,to all of your class?My class hasn’t learned it …yet? …and I’d really like to!
I agree with Taylor! I would love to learn the polished stone technique! It sounds like alot of fun!!
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