Crackled Batik Book Covers

Cover books in style! You’ll always know which books are yours with these unique crackled, crayon-resist batik book covers.

• 1.

  Ever have trouble finding YOUR book? With this unique batik-look cover, you’ll always find yours in a flash!

• 2.

  Measure the paper. Lay the book you want to cover open and flat on a large, heavy paper. With Crayola® Colored Pencils, mark the paper so that it is at least 2 inches (5 cm) wider than your book on all sides. Cut on your lines with Crayola scissors.

• 3.

  Design the cover. Color one side of the paper with Crayola Twistables. Press hard so the colors are bright and vibrant. Lighter colors will show best on your crackled cover.

• 4.

  Crumple the paper tightly in your hands and then smooth it out.

• 5.

  Cover your art area with recycled newspaper. Use black Crayola Watercolors and Watercolor Brushes to paint over your drawing. The color will go into the cracks. Use a paper towel to blot away excess paint as you work. Air-dry your cover.

• 6.

  Cover your book. Lay your drawing colored side down. Open the book and place it on the paper. With a Crayola Colored Pencil, draw a line where the top and bottom edges of the book rest on the paper. Remove the book. Fold the paper on those lines.

• 7.

  Replace the open book on the paper. Fold the sides over the sides of the book. Make a sharp crease in each of these folds. Open the folds and place the book inside.

• 8.

  Close your book carefully, allowing it to ease into the cover. To help keep the cover on your book, tape the folded pieces to each other.

Benefits

• Children measure a cover for a book.
• Students design a beautiful and practical book cover.
• Children follow directions to fold the cover over their book.

Adaptations

• Color the book cover with traditional batik patterns from various cultures. Research the culture you chose, and write a report about it.
• Use recycled paper grocery bags or brown craft paper with Crayola Metallic Twistables for a shiny effect. The crayon color stands out, even on darker paper!
• Try this same crayon-resist technique to make report covers, gift wrap, even large murals.