Finger-Painting Memories

If you have forgotten how much fun it is to play, this technique is perfect for you. You can spend hours having fun and then save your results for another day, month or year. You will have created elements of art that you can use anytime in the future. Plus, you can get messy and no one will yell at you because it’s art. This is also great fun for the whole family.

TECHNIQUE ONE: Finger painting

Step 1

Brush a layer of paint or paint mixed with gel onto polypropylene plastic.

Step 2

While it is wet, draw into it with your fingers or whatever tool is handy.

Step 3

Let dry.

Step 4

Brush polymer medium or soft gel onto your surface.

Step 5

Lay the plastic painted side down and use a brayer to adhere it to your surface.

Step 6

Let dry. This can take anywhere from one hour to days depending on the surface and size of the transfer.

Step 7

Peel off the plastic and your finger painting will now be on your art surface.

BLOOM

Darlene Olivia McElroy

This painting features a Crazy Easy Transfer applied over gold leaf and a plastic-wrap surface technique with collage elements added.

TECHNIQUE TWO: Collage papers 101

This is an inexpensive way to create beautiful collage papers using deli sandwich paper. You can buy deli papers by the box at restaurant supply stores or big box stores. Or maybe your local deli would give you a few to get started.

Step 1

Mix your paint with some gel medium.

Step 2

Place the deli paper over a textured surface. Create texture on the deli paper by spreading the paint mixture over patterned paper with a palette knife or old credit card. If you prefer a smooth surface, apply the mixture over a texture-free surface.

Step 3

You can play with several colors and even use the finger-painting method as described earlier in this chapter. Let the paint dry.

Step 4

You can use your creation as is or flip the paper over and apply a contrasting color to the other side. Deli paper is very thin and the color will show through.