Okay, we're ready to start studying Russia now, and do some Russian batik designs. Should I be quasi-authentic and use hot wax (the directions in our history book suggest melting paraffin applied with an eyedropper, then dying the fabric with the beet water left over from making borscht), or should I do it the safe way and use glue with spray-bottle dye.

Dds are 4yo and 8yo. And I have NO experience with batik.

Alright, I'll share a tip that Nike Davies (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/156324506X/qid=1085341195/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-6783697-5353531?v=glance&s=books) gave me, use a piece of upholstery foam. Cut it into a rectangle then trim one end to be a tip.

I would say that an 8 yr old can work with hot wax & supervision. I did my first batik project in Girl scouts at about that age. Don't think I'd trust a 4yr old with the hot wax though. I sometimes scauld my fingers & I know my 3.5 yr old would NOT be happy if that happened to her.

If you just doing bandanas or something glue works fine. Dharma also sells a resist that works with hot water dyes (Rit type). It's liquid in cold water but hard & resists when in hot water. This is also very easy stuff to get out. Well compaired to real wax it's easy to get out. I have also never had trouble getting school glue out in the washing machine.

Have fun.

Chole