How to Make a Crayon Quilt Block

Materials and Tools:

muslin
smooth fabric
crayons
permanent black ink pad
alphabet stamps
freezer paper
light box
water-soluble fabric marker
permanent waterproof pen with ultra-fine tip
texturing material (plastic canvas, coarse sandpaper, etc.)
ruler
white paper
hair dryer or heat gun
iron and ironing board

Steps:

1. Cut a 10 1/2-inch square of freezer paper. Iron it to muslin and cut the muslin to match.

2. Using a water-soluble marker and a clear plastic ruler, draw a line 1¼ inch from the bottom raw edge of the square. Stamp a message on this line. Immediately heat-set the letters with a hair dryer or a heat gun.

3. Using the water-soluble marker and a light box, trace the design on the muslin square.

4. Make a cushion with several layers of smooth fabric. Place the muslin block on the cushion and use a crayon to color with a first layer of color. Add a layer of a slightly different tone of the same color.

5. Remove the block from the cushion and place it on a hard surface. "Pen-stitch" on the outline with a permanent waterproof marker with an ultra-fine tip. Pen-stitch around the stamped letters as well.

6. Remove the freezer paper. Place the block over one of the texturing items. Hold the block firmly in place. Using a third, darker tone of the same color, rub the crayon over the area. A pattern will emerge. Use several textures on each block.

7. Remove the water-soluble marker by blotting with a damp cloth or paper towel. Let the block dry completely.

8. Place a piece of paper on an ironing board. With the block turned right side down on the paper, place a second piece of paper on top of the block. Set the iron to "cotton" and press to remove excess wax and set the color.