Illuminated Letter

I've been trying to come up with a fun calligraphy project for my 7th graders for awhile and I think I've got one:

Draw the first letter of your name and include designs in all empty spaces. All designs should be "double-lined" to leave think white lines between each space. I used a 2-ply bristol board.

Color with colored pencils. The coloring should be dark and thick so that no white shows through. This also known as the "velvet technique".

Paint over the entire drawing with black watercolor. I found that three or four coats worked well, any less and the white of the paper ended up looking gray and dull.

Carefully wipe the entire drawing with a damp rag to reveal the bright colored pencil underneath.

I thought the results were striking. Now all I need to do is try this with my 7th graders.