Mini-Mural on Furniture

This mini-mural turns an ordinary piece of furniture into an interesting conversation piece. (See instructions below.) Figure A Figure B Figure C

Host Kathi Cardinalli demonstrates how to turn a simple cabinet into a work of art by using posters to create a realistic murals.

Materials:

a piece of flea-market furniture (chest, cabinet, etc.)
sandpaper and wiping cloth
posters with realistic images (can also use wallpaper)
acrylic paint
ruler or measuring tape
scissors
white craft glue
roller or brayer
craft knife
cutting mat
paint pen
spray-on acrylic finish

Steps:

1. Lightly sand the surface of the furniture to remove any rough places.
   
   
2. Paint any recessed areas of furniture (that the poster won't cover) with a shade that coordinates with the poster. (Light blue was used on the show to match the Van Gogh poster that was used.)
   
   
3. Lay the poster out flat on the furniture. Measure and cut to fit the front, top and sides (figure A).
   
   
4. Glue poster pieces to the furniture (figure B). Be sure to match the pieces as you fit them so that the finished piece has a trompe l'oeil (a style of painting that gives an illusion of photographic reality) look.
   
   
5. Use a brayer or roller to flatten any air bubbles that are on the surface. (Prick bubbles with a craft knife, then roll over them.)
   
   
6. Touch up any torn areas or places that are not covered by the poster with a matching paint pen (figure C). When dry, spray with acrylic finish.

Also in this Episode

Our Place : Episode OPL-211
•	Message Centers
•	Muralist
•	Mini-Mural on Furniture
•	Trade Secrets