DIY Network

Picture-Perfect Art From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-309

Figure A

Q: Help! I've used all my decorating budget for a new couch, coffee table and carpet. What can I do to add art to my bare walls?

A: (from Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) You can imitate the look of expensive botanical prints (figure A), which can cost as much as $50 each at home-decorating stores, for just a few dollars by following these simple steps.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H
	Figure I
	Figure J
	Figure K
	Figure L

Materials:
Stretched artist's canvas (figure B), available at art-supply stores
Satin latex paint (leftover wall paint is fine)
Brush
Painter's tape (1" wide, or your choice of width)
Gold acrylic paint
1" brush
Silk flower
Manicure scissors
Spray adhesive
Paint pen
Clear crackle medium
Water-based clear varnish
Glazing medium
Rag
Ribbon and glue

1. Paint the canvas with a satin-based latex paint such as leftover house paint (figure C). Don't worry about applying the paint neatly -- you want it to look old, imperfect and faded.

2. Let the paint dry, then use painter's tape to create a border around the canvas (figure D).

3. With gold acrylic paint and a 1" brush, apply a line around tape (figure E). Again, neatness doesn't count -- the rougher and more handpainted it looks, the better.

4. Take the silk flower to a copy center and have a color copy made of it (figure F).

5. Cut out the image, using manicure scissors to cut out intricate areas (figure G).

6. Attach the image to the painted canvas with spray adhesive (figure H).

7. Carefully smooth out the image (figure I) and let the adhesive dry.

   Note: Always use spray adhesive in a well-ventilated area.

8. Paint the name of the flower at the bottom with a paint pen (figure J) and let dry.

9. Apply a clear crackle medium over the entire surface of the canvas and let dry.

10. Use a water-based clear varnish over the crackle medium.

11. Rub on a glazing medium to highlight the crackled effect (figure K). This is the step that really makes the finished product look timeworn.

12. Glue ribbon around the edges to cover the staples (figure L), and your new "old" botanical print is ready to hang.

RESOURCES :
Photo Art & Craft: 50 Projects Using Photographic Imagery
Model: 0873419723
Author: Carolyn Vosburg Hall

Decorating with Family Photographs: Creative Ways to Display Your Treasured Memories
Model: 0806942118
Author: Ryne Hazen

Silhouettes: Rediscovering the Lost Art
ISBN: 0970115105
Author: Kathryn K. Flocken
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Stamp in Color : Techniques for Enhancing Your Artwork
Model: 1564773299
Author: Dave Brethauer

Treasury of Floral Designs and Initials for Artists Craftspeople
Model: 0486288080
Author: Mary Carolyn Waldrep (Editor)

Silk Painting: The Artist's Guide to Gutta and Wax Resist Techniques
Model: 0823048284
Author: Susan Louise Moyer
(October, 1991)

Watson-Guptill Publications
Website: www.watsonguptill.com

Art from Packaging: With Projects Using Cardboard, Plastics, Foil, and Tape
Model: 0817245502
Author: Gillian Chapman

Affordable Decorating: 72 Projects and Ideas to Save You Money
Model: 0865733775
Author: Home Decorating Institute
Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com