Introduction: Nevr-Dull Art

About: I'm an artist based in McKinney, Texas, who is always looking for something cool to build. Signed up here after seeing some really interesting ideas, as well as I'd like to show how to do a few types of my own…

Hey, guys! I'm back with my second Instructable! First off, I'd like to say that I feel very welcomed here!

Okay, Nevr-Dull is a polish for chrome. However, today I'm going to show you that it's original application is nothing compared to what you can really do with it.

Unfortunately, you may need to grab a few supplies from the store for this one. Mainly the Nevr-Dull. I can't remember the price of the canister, but it was definitely less than $10.

Step 1: Materials

- Canvas (Anything will work)
- Scissors
- National Geographic magazines
- Elmer's Glue
&
- Glue Stick
- Nevr-Dull Polish
- Drawing utensil (Sharpies are perfect!!!)

Step 2: Make Your Draft

For this project, I used cardboard for my canvas. 7" by 7" square that I cut, to be exact. Remember, imagination is the key in this project. You can really use anything for the canvas at any size. You won't see it in the end result.

Start out by sketching your desired artwork onto the canvas. I sketched with a graphite pencil, and then proceeded to trace over the final lines with a sharpie. Then I erased the pencil, leaving precise lines that will allow for an easier time lining things up later on.

Step 3: Collage Time

Break open the National Geographic magazines. I don't know if other magazines will work, but they might. But for good luck, stick to the NG's.

You're going to find all the pages that have the colors you want for each and every part of your picture. Tear them out. (You may notice the perfect circle cut from the wolf page. That's actually where I got the image for my first coaster from my first instructable!)

Cut the colors out. Line up, etc. I did pics for each step. Remember to allow all the piece to go off the edge a bit. We're going to pretty up the rim of the picture.

Use the glue stick and adhere the paper to the canvas. Wrap the excess around to the back, flip over, and then tape it down as shown. This will keep the edge nice and smooth and PROFESSIONAL.

NOTE: Smaller pieces are easier to work with. I ended up taking a while working with the sky where the hills are. One other point: BACKGROUND FIRST. Work your way up to the foreground.

Continue doing this process until you have completely covered your canvas.

Step 4: Outline in Glue

You've completed your collage. But that's only half of the project. Take the Elmer's Glue and outline every line you want to keep and every color you want to keep. Everything without glue covering it will be modified by the Nevr-Dull.

If you would like to add neat designs, go right ahead. I added a little to the pond. Remember, the glue needs to be completely dried before the next step, so this will be the time consuming part.

Step 5: The Nevr-Dull

Okay, the glue is dry. Good. Final step.

Note: The hot glue fun picture was cooling off from another project. It is not needed.

Open up the Nevr-Dull and pull off a "cotton ball" and begin rubbing the image. This will pull away color anywhere you rub except for where there is glue. Your image will now look slightly aged, which is always cool looking.

When you switch to a different colored area, you may want to discard the wad and get a fresh one. The ink will transfer if you don't, but sometimes it looks even cope to transfer. Play around with it!

Step 6: Ta-Da!!!

You're done! However, no art piece HAS to be complete. You can always add on! I'm actually working on a series of Nevr-Dull guitars. I pictured two of them. I actually added in real guitar strings. There's so much you can do with this medium, so go ahead, give it a shot!!!