.WE.ARE.GNOMADS.

HAPPY 5TH ANNIVERSARY, SWEETIE!

From Anni-Craft

Maps and train tickets from our honeymoon and words from one of our wedding songs!

From Anni-Craft

I saw something similar online and tried it, but with my husband in mind!

This was my first attempt at something like this and although I like it, I have learned a few things.

1) The larger and more simple lettering the better!
2) The background needs to be more dark if you use the white for the top layer.
3) I NOW know how to decoupage better (that is after the fact)!

But if you are interested, below I share with you how I made this piece.

First, the supplies needed:
1) A flat surface of some sort. I bought a cheap canvas. I got the idea from a person who bought a paint-by-numbers painting at a thrift store.
2) Mod Podge (if you want to decoupage which is “gluing” paper onto a surface). 
3) Paper items to decoupage (graphics, photos, magazine ads, maps, etc). Any item can be used, but make sure it is darker in color so the lettering “pops” out with the white-washing.
4) White Paint and brush.
6) Re-sticking lettering.

From Anni-Craft

After I cut out the parts of the maps I wanted to use, I laid them out on the canvas to make sure they fit.

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From Anni-Craft

From Anni-Craft

Then I started to Mod Podge the maps to the canvas, which means I just spread it out on the canvas and then on the map after I laid it down.

When I did this, I wrapped the maps over the edge of the canvas!  

The maps wrinkled a bit, but I did not mind that as it made the maps have a more textured look.

I learned a wrinkle free technique afterwards and here is it:
1) Brush a light layer of Mod Podge on the surface and fan it with paper for a few seconds so it is not super wet when you apply the piece of paper; 2) Lay the paper over the Mod Podge and press edges and corners down good; 3) Let dry completely as is; 4) When dry brush a good amount of the Mod Podge over the top; and 5) Let that dry.

And I let mine dry too!

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 Below is the type of letters I used.  I recommend using all Helvetica as it is a thick bold letter.

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I cut the letters out and positioned them on the canvas to make sure I would get them straight.

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After letter application, I painted a light layer of the white paint over the decoupaged canvas.

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I just showed Jim the above photo and he really like this style…so you can see the maps more and read the words easier.

So much for my artsy effect!

Anyway, I covered it completely with a thin layer of white paint,  and then let dry!

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When dry, peel the lettering off…and there you have it!

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With the next attempt at  this, I will use the rest of the phrase in the same song.

Jim,

I Love You More Today Than Yesterday,

BUT NOT AS MUCH AS TOMORROW!

Love,

Your – db!-

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~ by My Gnome Little World on March 29, 2012.

Posted in 2012, Jan - March
Tags: Art, arts & crafts, but not as much as tomorrow, canvas, decoupage, Decoupage Art, I love you more today than yesterday, Map art, map crafts, maps, Mod Podge, More Today Than Yesterday, painting, paintings, Spiral Starecase, Spiral Starecase lyrics