Introduction: How to Silver Leaf BIRDS on a Denim Canvas
So as if Denim is not enough.. lets add foil.
Step 1: Materials List
DENIM canvas 16x20. ***
This can be found at the Make Market in Michael's or go...
Check out my instructables on how to paint a Canvas to LOOK like denim
Acrylic paint
Yellow ochre
Titanium White
Black
Silver leaf
Metal leaf Spray Sealer
Metal leaf adhesive
I used Mona Liza brand and Art Minds
Step 2: Paint the Moon
In the upper right of your canvas with about 1" brush Lightly brush on The white and yellow ocher
Tip: Try not to mix together on the palate your colors allow them to streak on the canvas
Step 3: BRANCHES and Twigs
With black Paint and a detail brush paint in your branch for your birds!
Tip: Pressure helps a stroke be thicker or thinner. For a thin stroke press lightly for a thick one press hard
Look: Branches are ever diminishing. Things get thinner as they grow out.
Step 4: Create Your Love Birds
Paint in a Silhouette of your birds in black paint
Tip: Never let drawing be your block. There are many free traceables online and Stencils at the store. Drawing is not art its just a skill of art.
Step 5: Heart Leaves
Add the leaves that float still attached to your branch!! I really liked the heart shape for my leaves to layer the feeling of love in this story.
TIP: Paint some leaves bigger and some smaller. Let some float away in the wind
Step 6: Apply Adhesive
When your paint is Dry apply the matal leaf adhesive to your birds
TIP: Follow the instructions on the bottle exactly for best results. Be sure and make sure you are in a well ventilated area.... which you will NOT want when the silver leaf is out
Step 7: SILVER LEAF
In a Space with no wind Current take a sheet of leaf. DO NOT BREATH lol. Carefully place on your birds. Cover all the birds with leaf. There will be some leaf lost to this process. It ok.
TIP: Who ever invented silver leaf has a sense of humour. This stuff goes everywhere :)
Step 8: Burnish
Gently with a soft brush push the leaf into the adhesive
TIP: this part is really relaxing ...enjoy
Step 9: Remove the Extra Foil...
Take a stiffer brush rub and scramble the loose leaf off. This is a process.
TIP: it is messy have s hand vac ready. Expect to look as if you murdered a fairy
Step 10: Seal and Enjoy!!!
Finish your awesome project by spray the sealer outside.
TIP: wow that stuff is intense following directions is imperative