Gouged Frames

My kids and I made these with kitting needles and crayons - so easy to do.

Our designs were inspired by fabric.

For this project you will need: a wood craft frame (available at craft stores), crayons, a large metal knitting needle, a paintbrush and a hairdryer (optional).

Using your knitting needle, gouge your design into the wood. You'll use firm pressure (as if you were writing an angry letter to someone). We did our pattern free-hand, but you could draw out a template on paper first and use it as a guide to trace your pattern.

We drew in lines and pressed in holes to create our patterns.

Using a crayon, color in your frame. Work in one direction first, then go over your strokes in the opposite direction so they cross. This deepens the tone of your shading and helps to bring out the recessed details.

After you've colored your frame, brush it off with a paintbrush to remove any crayon dust. At this point, you can stop here or take it to the next level by adding other colors.

To add color, just rub other colors over your pattern. It helps to be strategic about your placement of color at this stage as it will help to add visual depth and will highlight certain areas. Once you're happy with your coloring, blow a hot hairdryer over your frame for a few minutes -- this will help to blend the colors and create a glazed finish.

The layering of color isn't necessary - these look great either way - it's just a matter of personal style.

Your design can be quite simple, like this one - I took inspiration from ikat fabrics.

This is a perfect project to work on with the kids -- it's inexpensive, easy, safe, fun and different. Give it a try and let me know how yours turn out.