Personalize Your Artwork

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-1029 -- More Projects »
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Make multiple prints of fresh flowers using acrylic paint and pre-stretched canvases.
Project design expert Jeni Wright demonstrates how easy it is to become an instant artist and fill your home with personalized artwork.

Multiple Flower Prints

Materials:

5" x 5" pre-stretched canvases (available at craft stores)
acrylic paints
sponge brushes
fresh or silk Gerbera daisy

Steps:


  1. Paint the canvases in your chosen background color using acrylic paints.

  2. For the flower print, spread your chosen color of paint evenly in a flat-bottomed bowl, making the layer fairly thick (it is like an inkpad.)
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Figure A
  • Press the flower face-down into the paint (figure A). Make sure all the petals receive paint. If you don't get enough paint on the petals from pressing the flower, fill in with your sponge brush.
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    Figure B
  • Center the flower on your canvas and press down so the paint leaves the flower’s image (figure B). Press down on all the petals.

    * Note: You can get about 15 impressions from a fresh flower before it deteriorates. Make as many prints for a series as you wish, varying the background color or the print color.

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    Dolls' clothes can be displayed quickly and easily in a shadow box to create unique artwork.
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    Toys placed in a shadow box are great decoration for a boy's room.
    Shadow boxes for vintage doll clothes and toys

    Materials:

    shadow box (available at craft stores)
    decorative paper
    double stick tape
    doll clothes

    Steps:


    1. Cover the backboard of the shadow box with a decorative paper and adhere it with double-sided tape.

    2. On the front of the backboard lay out the tape in a shape that mirrors the shape of the clothing.

    3. Press the doll clothes firmly onto the tape.

    4. Place the backboard into the frame.

    Framed Fabric

    Materials:

    1 yd. of fabric
    canvas frame
    staple gun

    Steps:


    1. Select the size frame you want for your finished picture. Be sure the fabric fits around it.

    2. Lay the fabric, print side down, on a flat surface and center the canvas over it with the canvas touching the fabric.
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    Figure C
  • Pull the fabric over and around the edges and staple in place (figure C). When working the corners, pull the pointed center in first and staple in place, then lap over one side and then the other, like wrapping a gift.

    Variation

    Instead of using a preprinted fabric, make your own. You can use a sheer fabric and iron on transfers to create the pattern you like. To create the transfer, copy a picture onto transfer sheets (which are then ironed on to the fabric.)

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