Ever hear that phrase “jack of all trades, master of none?” I think that may be me! I love all different kinds of projects but I’m not sure that I want to narrow down my field. If anything, I want to broaden my horizons! So rather than learning the fine art of painting, I stuck to silhouettes. It may or may not be cheating. I haven’t decided.
I got the idea from seeing this amazing blog: http://www.craftedlove.com/2011/08/diy-newspaper-art.html
LOVE IT.
I do have a few improvements, though!
MATERIALS: Canvas, newspaper, mod podge (or a substitute), paint brushes, black acrylic paint, matte medium finish
First the mod podge substitute: http://www.babblingsandmore.com/2011/10/homemade-mod-podge.html?m=1 This blog was super helpful! I didn’t necessarily need the ratio to be equal. I found a three parts water to one part glue to be just as effective, not to mention it makes the glue last longer. I have had the giant glue bottle pictured below for almost 2 years now and as you can see, I’m only halfway through it! I haven’t had any problems with it, either!
Step 1: tear the newspaper into strips. I think it’s best to avoid adverts, graphics and large print fonts. Ultimately I think they detract from the artwork.
Step 2: begin application to canvas! I started in one corner and worked my way around so the mod podge didn’t dry out. I put a layer directly on the canvas and another on top of the newspaper. BE AWARE: it will wrinkle! This is totally normal! as the mod podge dries out the wrinkles & bubbles disappear. Here’s how my most recent canvas turned out:
Step 3: paint to your heart’s desire! If you’re not one for free-handing, pick up a stencil from any craft store! I had some space to fill on my wall, so I actually stretched my painting over two canvases. I painted a tree. Because of my love for trees. Dead ones in particular. There is one branch that bothers me…. I may or may not go back and fix it.
Step 4: the finishing touch! Newspaper, as we all know, yellows as it ages. To fight paper-jaundice I suggest covering it with a clear matte finish. This one has worked well for me:http://www.amazon.com/Liquitex-Professional-Matte-Fluid-Medium/dp/B000IYWYNE/ref=sr_1_26?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1366858009&sr=1-26&keywords=matte+finish You can find it at most craft stores!
Here is how mine turned out:
crafting with rage 