Master the Art of Paint Blending and 3D Decoupage on Canvas

We often receive questions about how to blend paint with rice paper, so we’re thrilled to feature a special tutorial by Donna from Mason Creations Etc. In this project, Donna demonstrates how to create a stunning 3D canvas using decoupage techniques, air-dry clay embellishments, and paint blending. Watch the video below to follow along with Donna's expert guidance.

For this project, we are using four small canvases. However, this technique can be applied to almost any decoupage surface, ranging from small crafts to larger pieces of furniture. Whether you're working on a tiny trinket box or a large dresser, the steps outlined here will help you achieve beautiful, blended results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Materials Needed

• Gesso (primer)
• Polyvine Decorator Varnish (decoupage adhesive)
• Rice paper with wood and tree images
• Dixie Belle Chalk Paint (colors: Drop Cloth, green, dark blue, tan)
• Decor wax (for antiquing)
• Sea sponge (for blending paint)
• Polyvine Heavy-duty Wood Varnish (sealing)
• A glue gun
• Silicone Molds 
• Delight Clay (for making leaves)
• Metallic wax rubs (colors: white gold, white pearl)

Preparation

Prime the Canvases:

• Start by applying a heavy coat of white Gesso to four canvases (two 6x8 and two 4x6). Gesso acts as a primer, providing a nice surface to work on. Allow the gesso to dry for about an hour.

Cut Rice Paper:

• Cut the rice paper slightly larger than the two larger canvases. This extra size will allow you to wrap the paper around the edges, giving the canvas a neat, finished look.

Decoupage

Adhere Rice Paper (on the large canvas):

• To adhere the rice paper, first apply a thin layer of Polyvine Decorators Varnish. Place the rice paper on top, allowing for a slight overhang on all sides. Apply a top layer of varnish from the center out to avoid bubbles and wrinkles. Let it dry completely, which should take about an hour.

Wrap Edges:

• To wrap the edges, cut slits at each corner of the paper, mist it with water to make it pliable, and carefully wrap it around the canvas edges. Seal the edges with more varnish and let dry.

Painting and Blending

Paint the Background:

• For the smaller canvases, start with a base coat of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in the color Drop Cloth, a pale cream shade. While the paint is still wet, use a sea sponge to dab on green, dark blue, and tan paints around the edges. This helps to blend the colors and create a seamless background. Mist the paint lightly with water to aid blending.

Adhere Rice Paper (on the small canvas):

• To adhere the rice paper, first spray it with a little water. This helps it to be more pliable, have better adhesion and avoid bubbles and wrinkles. Next, brush the Decorators Varnish onto the canvas and lay the rice paper on top. Then brush more Decorators Varnish over top of the rice paper image and let it dry. 

Seal and Paint Again:

• Once the background paint is dry, seal the canvases with Polyvine Heavy-duty Wood Varnish. This step is crucial as it prevents the paint from soaking into the rice paper edges and helps achieve a seamless look when blending paint into the rice paper.

Adding 3D Elements

Create Leaves:

• Use Delight Clay to mold leaves and let them dry overnight. Once dry, paint the leaves with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint, matching the colors to your canvas. Add highlights using metallic wax rubs in white gold and white pearl. We have a large selection of Decor wax here at DecoupageNapkins.com

Attach Leaves:

• Attach the painted leaves to your canvases using a glue that works well on top of a varnished surface. Donna features her preferred brand, in her video link. (Alternatively, you can use a hot glue gun to attach the leaves to the canvas and then varnish on top).

Final Touches

Seal the Project:

• Apply additional coats of Polyvine Heavy-duty Wood Varnish to seal and protect your project. For an extra 3D effect, glue the smaller canvases onto the larger ones, creating a layered look.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this detailed tutorial and found it helpful. A big thank you to Donna from Mason Creations Etc. for sharing her expertise with us. Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic products mentioned in this tutorial at DecoupageNapkins.com. Happy crafting!

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