Batik Lesson Plans

Batik is an ancient wax-resist dying technique used to create gorgeous intricate patterns on fabrics.  Although the use of hot wax may not be an option for children there are some great alternative Batik methods that can bring this exciting technique into the classroom!  The following instructions are from the "Watercolor Batik" lesson from Paint! Art & Activities for Kids by Kim Solga.

Batik Mixture: 1/2 cup flour + 1/2 cup water + 2 teaspoons alum (found where spices or medicines are sold)
In a blender pour the 1/2 cup water and slowly sprinkle in the flour and alum.  Once fully mixed, put the mixture into a squirt bottle (such as a ketchup bottle) and use it to create patterns and designs on your fabric.  Let it fully dry before adding watercolor.  After watercolor has dried the batik mixture can be peeled off and Voila!  Beautiful Batik Fabric! (In the example shown the watercolor was done first.  The patterns were made with the Batik mixture and once dry the entire fabric was sprayed with black india ink.  When the mixture was removed the watercolor that was added first shows through!)

Batik Resources:
Batik Lesson Plan PDF - Karen Siler, Glen Allen Elementary School
Batik Lesson Plan PPT with Images - Karen Siler, Glen Allen Elementary School
Towards Classifying Classical Batik Images - Dr. Veronica S. Moertini