Permission to Go Rogue: Creative Mark-Making in Encaustic Art
When it comes to mark-making in photo encaustic, the possibilities are endless—and the tools are everywhere. Whether you wander through a kitchen store or a hardware store, you’ll find inspiration in every aisle. Think of this as your official permission to go rogue. If it can make a mark in wax, it’s fair game.
Dental tools, door scrapers, broken combs, pottery tools, metal chains, tin foil, mesh screens, even cookie cutters—nothing is off-limits. One of my all-time favorites is simple tin foil. Scrunch it up, press it into warm wax, or rub it across the surface to create random linear patterns.
Some tools work best when warmed on a hot plate, while others benefit from a small hammer to tap them into the wax. There are no strict rules—just curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of discovery.
My go-to tool, however, is a humble mesh screen. It can create a checked texture when pressed into wax, add splattered effects when held above the surface, or form bold patterns when coated with wax and stamped onto your panel. One scrap of mesh offers endless variations.
I haven’t ventured too far into making my own tools yet, but I’m tempted—imagine bolts glued in a pattern for consistent indentations or antique metal printing blocks repurposed for texture. The possibilities expand as fast as your imagination allows.
With encaustic art, your tools are part technique, part adventure. Explore freely. Break the rules. Create boldly.
Curious to explore more creative techniques like these? If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of wax, texture, and expressive mark-making, my Beginners Photo Encaustic Course is the perfect next step.
Unlock the tools, techniques, and inspiration that take your work to the next level.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. What are your favorite mark making tools?
Please pass this along to any of your friends who might also be interested in photo encaustic.
Be well….be creative,
I don’t venture out of my box very often but I am going to. thanks for posting stuff. k
I have been holding onto a set of old IBM Selectric typewriter element balls. I am going to use them to ad text to pieces . . . and you can press or roll them!
Thanks for posting your blog and helping to spur our ongoing creative juices Clare.
Pam
Yes Pam, I think the IBM Selectric element balls could be really fun!