Crayon Resist Technique – Easy Backgrounds with a Wow Factor

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Ever try a technique that makes you feel like you just unlocked a crafting superpower?

That’s exactly what happened when I started playing with this crayon resist technique. It’s simple, a little bit unexpected, and the results are just… magic. You get this soft, textured background that looks way more complicated than it actually is – and I am here for that.

In this week’s Stamp with Me Tuesday, I’m showing you exactly how to do it, plus three completely different card ideas so you can see just how versatile it is. Trust me – once you try this, you’re going to want to keep going.
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Click “Read More” to watch the video tutorial and grab your free project sheet with all the measurements.

Watch the Video Tutorial

​Here’s the full step-by-step video so you can follow along and try this technique yourself.

Get the FREE Project Sheet for this Technique

How to Do the Crayon Resist Technique

This technique is so simple, but there are a couple little tips that make all the difference.

Start by opening up your embossing folder. You can use either side, but I like to use the debossed side. An easy way to find it is to look for the Stampin’ Up!® logo and flip it over – you’ll be working on the back side of that.

Place a piece of Basic White cardstock inside the folder. I recommend using a piece that’s slightly larger than your final layer – it’s just easier to trim it down afterward.

Now grab a white crayon and rub it all over the cardstock. Make sure your cardstock doesn’t shift while you’re doing this. You want a nice, even layer of crayon, especially over the raised areas of the embossing folder.

Next, take your Water Painter and some ink and brush the ink over the surface. The crayon resists the ink, so the color settles into the areas with less wax, and the pattern from the embossing folder starts to appear.

To finish it off, use your Heat Tool to dry the piece. This not only speeds things up, but it also softens the wax a bit so the surface feels less chalky.
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And that’s it – quick, easy, and such a cool effect.

Soft Botanical Thank You

This first card is where I fell in love with the technique.

I used the Fern and Flora 3D Embossing Folder and added Old Olive ink with a Water Painter over the crayon resist background. The way the fern pattern appears is just beautiful – it almost looks like you printed patterned paper.

To build up the front, I die cut three fern and leaf pieces from Soft Sea Foam, Mossy Meadow, and Old Olive cardstock. Layering those tones together gives it that rich, natural look without feeling heavy.
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I finished it with a double bow of Linen Thread, a sentiment stamped in Mossy Meadow, and a few Dew Drop embellishments for just a little sparkle.

Supply List for this Fern Thank YOu Card

Layered Texture with a Masculine Edge

This one started as a “what if?” experiment… and it turned out SO good.

Before doing the crayon resist, I stamped a full background using the Gears and Textures stamp set in Early Espresso, Gray Granite, and Golden Glow. Then I placed that stamped piece into the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder, added the crayon, and brushed on Crumb Cake ink.

What you end up with is this incredible layered look – you can still see all the stamped images, but now there’s a subtle plaid pattern sitting underneath everything.
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For the sentiment, I used the Thanks Man stamp set – and yes, this one is a must if you’ve got guys to make cards for. “Happy Birthday Dude” on the front and “you’re old” on the inside… I tested it on my husband, and it got a laugh, so I’m calling that a win.

Supply List for this Masculine Birthday Card

Supply List for the Splash & Relax Card

Bright Summer Vibes

This last card takes the same technique in a totally different direction.

I used the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder again, but this time added Coastal Cabana ink over the crayon resist background. It gives you this soft, textured look that kind of feels like water – not literal, but just enough to set the tone.

On top of that, I added two inner tubes from the Splash and Relax bundle. The bright color combos really pop against that softer background:
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• Yellow – Lemon Lolly and Daffodil Delight
• Pink – Flirty Flamingo and Melon Mambo

The sentiment is stamped in Secret Sea and punched with the Rounded Rectangle Punch, then finished with White Baker’s Twine and Shimmering Dots.

Free Project Sheet + This Month’s Bonus

If you want to try this technique yourself, make sure you grab the free project sheet – it includes the basic instructions so you can have them right there when you're ready to jump into this project.

And don’t forget – when you place an order of $50 or more, you’ll receive the Creativity Made Simple Templates, Techniques, & Folds bundle. It’s packed with layouts, fun folds, and techniques to help you actually use your supplies instead of just admiring them.
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If your order hits $100, you’ll also get the Make & Take kit for next month’s Online Card Class – which is such a fun way to keep the creativity going.

Let’s Chat

Which one of these would you try first – the soft botanical, the layered masculine look, or the bright summer version?

Tell me in the comments or come share your version over on Facebook. I love seeing what you create.

And remember – don’t overthink it… just grab a crayon and start playing.
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On Y Go!