Learn how to make invisible ink ghosts for a spooky surprise! Draw ghosts in white crayon, then paint over to watch them magically appear.
Updated June 2025
If you’re looking for an easy and magical art activity, invisible ink is always a hit! Kids love drawing invisible pictures and watching them magically appear with watercolor paint.
All you need is a white crayon, some watercolor paint, and paper. You can make secret messages, spooky ghost drawings, or even hidden shapes. It’s quick to set up and always feels like a surprise reveal! Try it during a rainy afternoon, a Halloween-themed art session, or just for fun.
Invisible Ink Ghosts with Crayon Resist Painting
MATERIALS
- White crayon (or white oil pastel)
- Watercolor paper
- Liquid watercolors (or watercolor palette)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Draw secret image
Use the white crayon to draw ghosts, shapes, or hidden messages on the paper. The designs will be hard to see—that’s part of the surprise!
- Add paint
Paint over the entire page with liquid watercolors using a brush. Watch the magic happen as your invisible drawings appear.
- Watch your design appear
The watercolor paint resists the crayon marks, making your hidden pictures and messages stand out.
Set your artwork aside to dry and make another!
This invisible ghost and message activity is a fun way to blend art with a little mystery. Kids will love the magical reveal and experimenting with different designs.
Keep white crayons handy—you never know when a secret message might need to be sent!
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