How to Make a Beautiful Mixed Media Peacock with Decoupage
Welcome to another exciting tutorial from DecoupageNapkins.com! Our talented affiliate, Donna from Mason Creations Etc., will guide you through creating a stunning MDF board project featuring a beautiful 3-dimensional peacock set against a serene Japanese pagoda. This project, with its layered rice paper and intricate clay embellishments, is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their decoupage techniques.
Watch the video below for a detailed step-by-step guide by Donna herself.
Creating the Perfect Base
Donna begins by selecting an MDF oval plaque. She carefully traces its outline onto rice paper, ensuring it's centered with a tape measure. Using a thin piece of cardboard as a template, she cuts out the oval shape from the rice paper. She then applies a base coat of Dixie Belle chalk paint in "Cotton" to the MDF board. This light color ensures the rice paper design remains vibrant and clear.
Adhering the Rice Paper
Donna uses Polyvine Decorator's Varnish as the decoupage medium to adhere the rice paper to the board. She sprays the rice paper with water to make it pliable and reduce wrinkles, then smooths it out using a plastic sheet and a brush.
Adding Depth with a Crackle Finish
Donna applies Pentart's Fineline Crackle varnish, a two-part system, to create an antique look. She first brushes on component #1 and lets it dry, followed by component #2, which reveals beautiful cracks. Pentart antique paste is then rubbed into the cracks to highlight them.
Creating 3D Embellishments
Donna uses air dry clay and Re-design Decor Moulds to create stunning 3D embellishments, of a peacock and flowers. She advises dusting the molds with cornstarch for easy release and using DAS clay. After molding, she places the clay pieces in the freezer for easy removal.
Painting and Detailing
The embellishments are painted with Pentart paints, known for their rich, creamy texture. Donna uses colors like cobalt, country blue, vintage green, and mallow to bring the peacock and flowers to life. She demonstrates dry brushing techniques to add depth and highlights to the leaves and branches.
Final Touches
To complete the project, Donna adds metallic wax rubs in colors like "Sweet Rose" and "Mint Sparkle" for extra iridescence. She finishes by gluing tiny rhinestones for the peacock's eye, giving it a lifelike appearance.
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Thank you, Donna, for sharing your expertise and helping us bring beautiful decoupage projects to life.
Happy crafting!