Batik techniques have been practiced in Indonesia for over a thousand years, and today it is not only a way to decorate fabric for clothing and sarongs, but also a legitimate artistic medium. Originally the only colors used were indigo, brown and white, which represented the major Hindu deities. The color palette has since expanded to include a vibrant rainbow of hues. Traditional Balinese batiking involves hot melted wax, which protects cloth fibers from colored dyes. The wax is applied with either a tjap (pronounced “chop”), an intricate metal stamp or a tjanting needle for delicate handwork. After looking at images of Balinese art for inspiration, the eighth graders created their own designs to wax and transferred them in pencil onto fabric stretched on frames. The students then alternate between applying layers of wax and dye until their design is complete. The final step will be to remove the wax and reveal the finished image. We are excited to see the results of this challenging and rewarding medium!