Encaustic :  wax and pigment that are melted and, while still liquid, are treated as paint. Offers translucency, lovely depth, and textures from glass-smooth to really rough.

Caran d’ache :  wax-based watercolor crayons that encourage layering and scratching through, blending and building up texture.

Both allow me to work spontaneously and completely without a plan. I begin by layering colors and patterns, scrape through, rub or melt in, layer more, and see what begins to emerge. I often include text on the piece, but may layer over it or rub it out. Much of the fun for me is the element of surprise; colors juxtaposed that I would never consciously combine, lettering that only I know is there.