Spray Ink/Paint Mixed Media Project

For this project, you will take a base such as a canvas board, a stretched canvas, a shadow box, a picture frame, a cigar box, a hat box, a mason jar, or whatever else you want to use that is comparable in size (besides paper). Don't use anything really small because we want everyone to end up with a decent sized piece of art. If you use a canvas or a picture frame I would say to use at least an 8x10. If you use a jar, use at least a quart size, etc. Keep in mind this will more than likely be a higher shipping cost swap.

Once you choose your base, choose a heavy glue (I swear by E6000 but on a jar or something not flat a hot glue gun may work better). Then, begin gluing down interesting elements such as scrunched fabric, corrugated cardboard, chipboard embellishments, cheesecloth, netting, ribbon, lace, game pieces, metal bits and bobs, buttons, beads, basically anything you want to use. This is the step where you may also want to use texture paste or modeling paste with or without stencils to add texture as well.

Next, choose either white or black gesso and coat your entire piece really well. You may want to do 2-3 coats for best coverage.

Now comes the fun spray ink/paint part. I say use ink or paint because some spray inks (like Distress spray stain or Dylusions spray ink) are not permanent and react with water even after dried. If you don't have permanent spray ink you may want to consider creating your own sprays with acrylic paint and water in an empty spray bottle (I typically use about 1 part acrylic paint to 2 parts water but test it out and see what works for you). After you choose which inks/paints to use, have fun spraying your piece all over with as many colors as you want. Just be aware of color blending/bleeding so choose colors that blend nicely. You may have to let the ink dry between coats and/or color switches.

Once you are happy with the results, you can choose to add any finishing touches you'd like, whether it's dry brushing on some paint, adding bling, flowers, or twine, whatever you want to finish your piece. You have now successfully completed your project!

Sign your name somewhere on your creation and package it well to protect it for shipping.

If you do not typically do mixed media art, I promise this is the easiest way to start. The spray inks are so easy to use and truly transform any piece into a beauty. Don't be nervous to try something new! I will give a long send by date because this may take awhile if you let it dry overnight between stages like I do. This will also give you plenty of time to gather supplies and test them out if you want. Have fun with this! If you're still not comfortable joining the swap, I would be willing to do a private swap with you as well.