Crafting Fun...

It's April 11, 2013 and we're under a winter weather advisory here in Minnesota.  I'm so done with winter and it's been such a long and dreadful one that I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever see spring...let alone summer!  Since I can't be outdoors working in the yard yet, I've been in my studio making stuff...doesn't matter what I'm making as long as I'm doing something!

I decided to make a little mini album from scraps of leftover paper since my scrap box was literally overflowing.  It's perfect for all my Instax that have been piling up...I had so many that the album is just about full.  I mainly take photos of the youngest because he wears glasses and if the flash hits them just right, it flaws the film making him look (to me) like Mad-Eye Moody (Harry Potter)...I think it's funny...but him...not so much.  So far he still puts up with it but I think it's only a matter of time!

More decorated paper mache boxes...I decided to switch it up from the mushroom ones I went crazy with this weekend.  A person only needs so many mushroom boxes!

And I have to tell you, I am completely smitten with collage/mixed media.  I never thought it would be anything I would take an interest in but there's something about piling on the layers of paper and paint...and being able to change things with just a color swap or more paint...love, love, love it...and this is my first encaustic on my own...didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped but I like it and that's all that counts, right?

Mushroom Box Tutorial

Last night was our monthly Art Group, Val taught us how to make fun encaustic collages.  I don't collage very often but since my supplies were still out from last night, I decided to do something with a few wood boxes I had laying around.  I originally intended to use them for a different project but they didnt quite fit what I needed.  I'm my own worst critic, as most of us are,  but I actually like the finished product so thought I'd share with you how to make your own.

1.  Draw lines around the bottom of your box as a guide for the paint.  You can use a paper mache box or a thin wood box like I used (it's either balsam or beachwood...don't remember the technical name).  You can find these at any craft supply store like JoAnns, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

2.  Paint inside the lines with watercolor paint but don't worry about staying perfectly inside the lines, the messier the better.  Also paint the inside of the box in addition to the outside of the lid with acrylic paints (although you could use watercolors as well)

3.  Trace the outline of the lid on the paper you choose to use for the top of the lid.  I used an old ledger page.  Cut just inside the line for a nice, smooth fit.

4.  Cut out your illustration...you can use anything you like, mushrooms, birds, flowers, etc.

5.  Mod Podge your ledger paper to the top of the lid first.  I've found that applying Mod Podge to just the box lid works best...sometimes applying it to both the lid and the paper creates air bubbles and it doesn't look as nice.  Smooth it down with your fingers nice and tight with your fingers.  Next, apply Mod Podge to your illustration and adhere it to the lid.  Now is the time to add any other embellishments you want.  I added dennison labels to both boxes and little red painted dots around one of the boxes.  When everything has been "glued" on and all painted embellishments have dried completely, put a final layer of Mod Podge over the entire lid.  

6.  After the final layer of Mod Podge has completely, apply a layer of "One Step Crackle" finish to the top of lid, sides of lid, and sides of box.  I use DecoArt found at Michaels.  You can skip this step if you can't find one step crackle.  After the crackle coat dries, rub brown acrylic paint into the cracks with a damp paper towel to give it an aged look.

7.  Finally, tie a bow around the lid.  I used a strip of old cheese cloth to give it a shabby, worn look.

8.  Sit back and admire you work!

ED:  If you're going to make your own mushroom boxes, make sure you don't copy the way in which I spelled Specimen...it's 'EN', not 'AN' as I have shown in the photos...lucky for me I was able to change it without too much hassle!