Paper house patterns, plans or other architectural drawings made a nice base for a mixed-media art project.
Mixed-media artists are great collectors of "found" papers of all kinds. Papers with a multitude of patterns, shapes, textures, and weights are wonderful materials to create cards, paintings or collages; house patterns and architectural drawings in particular make interesting backgrounds, decoupage material, base for cards, or book covers. A photo frame or bird house using architectural photos or drawings is decorative, fun, and uses only a few inexpensive materials.
Instructions
1. Choose an unfinished frame or birdhouse for the project. Sand any rough edges or surfaces using the sand paper, then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Paint the frame or birdhouse with two coats of dark-colored acrylic craft paint, allowing paint to dry thoroughly before applying the second coat.
2. Tear strips or sections of the house patterns, plans or architectural drawings. Accent the torn edges of the paper with a nearly dry brush that will leave traces of gold or silver paint. Allow metallic paint to dry.
3. Use the decoupage medium or white glue to attach the sections randomly to the frame or birdhouse, allowing sections of painted area to show. Use a soft brush or your fingers to smooth any wrinkles or air bubbles out of the attached paper. Dry for 24 hours. You may want to dry brush some of the decoupaged sections with more metallic paint to give the house pattern, plan or architectural drawing paper an antiqued look.
4. Use a strong glue, such as E6000, to attach buttons, beads, wires, glitter, chains or fabric trim to the piece. You may also attach photographs or lettering, or create attachments using rubber stamps for the piece. After attaching any decorative trim, allow glue to dry thoroughly.
5. Spray the piece in a well-ventilated area with clear acrylic to preserve the piece. Clear acrylic comes in a choice of satin, matte or shiny finish. Any of these will work well, depending on the artist's preference. Allow the piece to cure for a few days in the well-ventilated area to remove the smell of the acrylic spray.
