How to make a faux antique artwork
We've found another use for that old calendar you just could not throw away. By using an old tile and a calendar image, you can create a beautiful piece of artwork you can display all year round
What you will need...
1. An old tile,
2. A piece of artwork,
3. Glue,
4. Crackle medium,
5. Black acrylic paint,
6. Old sponge and rags,
7. Paintbrush,
8. Sandpaper,
9. Varnish,
10. Craft knife,
11. Cutting board,
12. Ruler to use as cutting edge,
13. Protective gear: mask and gloves
A few pics followed by the write-up
We found a beautiful Japanese print on an old calendar which had been rolled up and hidden for a long time. In our desire to display it again, we went on a house-hunt for a suitable object to mount it on.
We found an old ceramic tile, however we're sure many other flat objects could work just as well, for example: a piece of timber board.
Using a craft knife, cutting board and ruler, carefully cut out the image from the calendar to size of the tile.
With spray glue, use quick sweeping motions to spray the facing side of the tile and the back of the art image. Following the manufacturer's instructions, allow time for the glue to go tacky. In our case we waited 20 seconds.
Then join the two tacky surfaces together. Carefully start at one corner by aligning correctly, making contact, then smoothing the rest down and out with your hand to ensure there are no air bubbles.
Once dry, start the antiquing process by gently sanding the edges of the image. How much you sand it back or rough it up is up to you.
When happy with the result, then paint on the crackle medium. Please read the instructions on your product carefully, as it will give you the best idea of how much to use for your desired crackle look. Leave to dry and just watch the crackles appear.
We noted that while the crackle was wet, our paper also bubbled, however the bumps disappeared again while it dried.
Once the crackle medium has finished drying you will notice your artwork is already starting to look antiqued. To enhance this look even more, we then brushed the surface with a very watered-down black acrylic paint to fill the cracks with color. Watercolors may work well also.
We then immediately sponged and wiped off all excess paint on the surface to reveal a slightly darkened image.
Allow for drying and finish it off by spraying or painting with a coat of protective varnish. Display your artwork on a plate display stand for everyone to see and enjoy.
