Today I want to share with you how to create a Butterfly Mixed Media Canvas. I get asked a lot about how I create these canvases and how I get that crisp rusty look. Well, today I want to share with you some of the products I use to achieve this look and how exactly to create it.
Butterfly Mixed Media Canvas
One of the most important steps in creating a canvas like this is to layer the embellishments and create a 3D look. So I started with a layer of chipboard empty squares and added the butterfly on top. The butterfly is the focal point of the canvas so I made sure to create a raised surface from little chipboard squares so The butterfly would be raised above all the other embellishments.
The next step was to add all the embellishments around the canvas. When I create a canvas like this I use all kinds of embellishments, some of them with more volume than others. What I mean is that you don't want to add only flat embellishments you want to add things like flowers or add the embellishments in different heights.
After you like the arrangement of the canvas it's time to cover everything with black gesso. Sometimes it's hard to get into all the nooks and crannies with the brush. If you wet the brush the gesso will be a little thinner and will flow more easily into those hard to reach places.
When the gesso is completely dry it's time to add some color. I wanted my canvas to have a metallic rusty look so I used Metallic acrylic paints, patine and shimmer wax (like Inka Gold) in that order. Build the layers of color with a small brush. Don't cover each embellishment with the paint. Add little touches of paint and use a few colors. Use the wax to add final shimmer touches and accents.
I hope now the process of how to create the Butterfly Mixed Media Canvas is clearer and you'll give it a try. I also entered this canvas to the 13arts challenge: butterflies.
What would you put as a focal point on a mixed media canvas?
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19 comments on “Butterfly Mixed Media Canvas”
Do you make a chipboard or buy it, and is it from a corugated box a substitute? And by the way your butterfly with mixed media is gorgeous.
I buy my chipboard but you can cut pieces from boxes as well
What kind of adhesive do you use. This seems very expensive. Magnificent
I use gel medium to attach all metal and other parts. It’s very strong. It can last for a long time because you don’t need a lot. So it’s very cost effective.
What kind of adhesive do you use to glue everything on?
I use gel medium it’s the best!
gorgeous Einat
gr karin
Thanks Karin!
I’ve been wanting to try something with mixed Media . Yours is beautiful. Can you make something like this in a picture frame?
Yes! of course you can, you just add all the embellishments on the frame
So beautiful and inspirational. Thank you. Will try out.
Helene
Thank you!
Stunning piece of Art !!
Great piece of art!!!Thank you so much for playing along with us at 13Arts!
Thank you Christina!
Really great! Love it… thanks for playing with us at 13arts challenge
Thanks so much Sandre
Absolutely Outstanding! You explain it SO well & “make it yours” (by that, I mean not to look like someone else’s. One of my pet peeves, lol) I really really want to do something of this ilk but to look different, of course. Trick is finding my style which I’m far from.
Saw this on Pinterest & so glad I hit link. Reminder that I need to get back to YouTube. Your creations & generous sharing continue to inspire & delight!!
Finding your style is not easy but it developes as you create. If you don’t worry about how it looks and have fun creating then your creation will never look like someone elses. Just by using different materials and colors you change it.
Thank you for your kind words!