Embossed Wing Décor Technique by Creative Sol Makery
Recently we profiled retailer and artist, Charlotte of Creative Sol Makery in Garden City, Michigan. Charlotte is known for her use of texture, color, and layers. We asked Charlotte to share one of her favorite techniques to add texture and details. In this multi-layered finish Charlotte explains how simple plain objects can be completely transformed with Artisan Enhancements™ products!
Creating Embossed Wing Décor with VP Antico and Scumble
“Occasionally I will find an object that just needs a little something extra. For this tutorial I wanted to share how easy it is to create one-of-a-kind decorative embellishments starting with just a piece of plain cardstock. In this technique I will be creating detailed textured and embossed plaster wings! The wings can be added to existing pieces or used on their own as décor.
To begin, draw or trace a wing pattern on to sturdy cardstock craft paper. I’m using a paired wing shape. Other wing templates and shapes can be downloaded and re-sized from the internet to fit your project. Cut out the wing pattern.
Next, apply a generous layer of Artisan Enhancements™ VP Antico using a palette knife or color shaper tool to one side of the wings. VP Antico is a plaster medium and works great for this technique because it is thick for stamping and easily manipulated with a palette knife. When applying the VP Antico to your wings, don’t worry too much about a smooth finish. Imagine you are frosting a cake. Let the VP Antico sit for about 2-3 minutes – the VP Antico should set-up slightly but not fully dry.
For this little project, I’m using silicone stamps to create an embossed relief pattern on the VP Antico layer. Silicone stamps are durable, reusable, and extremely versatile! If you’ve never used silicone stamps, I personally recommend Iron Orchid Design (IOD) Stamps. The IOD stamps come in a large variety of designs, sizes and motifs. There is something for every style! I’m using the IOD Bohemia Decor Stamp™ on my wings.
Press the stamp into the VP Antico. Be sure to apply enough pressure to the stamp that the pattern is impressed deep enough. Don’t worry if you mess up on this part. You can always smooth the VP Antico back out, and start this step over. Once you’re satisfied with your pattern, allow your wings to dry completely overnight.
Once the embossed side of the wings are dry, it’s time to seal the embossed plaster! Using a quality varnish brush like the Artisan Enhancements™ 37mm Flat Brush, apply an ample but even layer of Artisan Enhancements™ Clear Finish to seal the embossed plaster side of the wings. Be sure to watch out for Clear Finish pooling in your details. If pooling occurs, it can be remedied by simply “scooping” the excess back out with your brush. Allow the Clear Finish to dry completely before going on to the next layer.
Helpful Hint – As the Clear Finish and wings dry, they may curl up. If the wings have curled up in the drying process and are completely dry, flip them over and paint the backside with your favorite chalk style mineral paint. Alternatively, you can lightly mist the backside with water and lay something heavy (such as a book) to flatten the wings. The moisture from the paint or misted water help make the cardstock pliable again and lay flat.
If you haven’t already, once the embossed side is completely dry, flip over the wings. Give the backside of your wings a coat of your favorite chalk style mineral paint. I’m using Weathered Wood by Debi’s Design Diary DIY paint. I personally like this type of paint because it is thick and makes building texture easier. Allow the paint to completely dry.
Once your paint has dried completely, it’s time to get crackin’! Using a brush, apply a liberal layer of Artisan Enhancements™ Crackle Tex. The Crackle Tex medium is used to mimic the look of weathered paint. The crackle pattern can change based on how the Crackle Tex is applied. I’m applying Crackle Tex in cross thatching strokes to make different size cracks. Allow the Crackle Tex to dry completely.
After the layer of Crackle Tex has completely dried, apply a topcoat of chalk style mineral paint over the Crackle Tex. I’m using Tarnished Pearl by Debi’s Design Diary DIY paint. Be sure to use long strokes and try not to back brush or overwork the paint on this step. Wait a few moments and watch the magic happen before your eyes! As the paint dries, cracks will begin to appear. To seal the crackle paint, once completely dry, apply an even layer of Clear Finish. Allow the Clear Finish to dry completely before going on to the next step.
On the embossed plaster side of the wings, I applied custom tinted Artisan Enhancements™ Scumble glazes. The Scumble glazes add color, highlights, and dimension to the embossed pattern. Scumble is a translucent medium used to create custom color glaze mixes. Scumble is one of my favorite products because I love how the Scumble helps me achieve old world finishes. Scumble is so easy to blend with, and layer colors on top of each other. Scumble can be tinted with pigments or paint. I’m using Pigment Powders – Making Powders from Debi’s Design Diary DIY Paint to create my custom color glazes.
CONFESSION TIME! I only measure when I’m baking. But I would guess I poured about a tablespoon of Scumble on to my mat before I began dragging different color pigment powders into their own puddle. A similar technique can be achieved by using your favorite paint of any kind to tint the Scumble medium.
Brush the tinted glazes over the embossed plaster surface to add color and reveal more detail of the pattern. Scumble is slow drying and provides a longer working time to help move the color across the embossed surface.
After you are happy with your color glazing, allow your wings to completely dry. For this tutorial, I left the glazed side of my wings unsealed. However, if the Scumble glaze is unsealed, the Scumble can be susceptible to rewetting, reopening, and bleeding if it comes in contact with moisture. To maintain and protect the glaze layer long-term, I recommend sealing with one final coat of Clear Finish.
All done! Try this method on different shapes and stamp patterns! And don’t forget both the plaster stamping technique with glazes and Crackle layering technique can also be applied to other surfaces. Have fun and experiment!
-Charlotte
To see more techniques from the Creative Sol Makery & Studio Market, check-out their Instagram, Facebook, or visit their website.
