Beautiful Winter Scene: Create a Stunning Mixed Media Masterpiece!

Christmas is almost here, but there's still time for one last magical crafting adventure! Donna from Mason Creations etc. brings you an enchanting tutorial to create a 3D mixed-media holiday masterpiece. Don’t miss this chance to add a personal, festive touch to your holiday décor. Watch the video below and join in the fun! 

 Step 1: Prep the Frame and Backing

Donna starts by repairing a broken frame by using Das clay, molding it into the broken corner with Tacky Glue. The backing is removed, painted white with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton, and allowed to dry. White paint ensures the decoupage rice paper design remains vibrant. She then dabbs Pentart Gold paint around the edge of the carboard because the size of the rice paper is just a little bit smaller than the size of the cardboard. This will give a nice trim. She lets it dry for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add Decoupage Paper

Donna uses a water brush to soften and remove the edges of her rice paper, ensuring seamless blending. Instead of cutting, she tears the edges, as the ripped edge blends more naturally into the project. Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish doubles as both adhesive and topcoat, applied in sections for precise placement of the large paper piece. She gently smooths out air bubbles, achieving a flawless finish.

Step 3: Create and Attach Embellishments

Donna uses Das clay to craft 3D embellishments by pressing it into silicone molds. For shallow molds, she opts for cream paste to capture fine details. After freezing the clay for easy removal, she takes the pieces out while still firm. If they need to bend around a frame or curve, she lets them thaw for a few minutes before gluing. Using Tacky Glue, Donna attaches the pieces while the clay is still wet, allowing them to mold to the surface without shrinking. She carefully wipes away any excess glue with a Q-tip and lets the embellishments dry overnight. To add visual appeal, Donna overlaps pieces and extends them over the frame, arranging them asymmetrically in groups of odd numbers for a dynamic, balanced design.

Step 4: Paint the Details

Pentart paints bring the project to life with vibrant color and detail. Donna layers country green and pine green on the trees, blending the shades to create depth and shadows. Light brown is used for the trunks, while the deer are painted in soft tans and browns with light dry brushing to highlight their features. Red Pentart paint makes the berries pop with festive brightness.

After the painting is complete, Donna applies Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin. This varnish not only seals the paint for durable protection but also adds a beautiful shine that enhances the colors. The smooth, slick surface it creates is perfect for the next step—applying antiquing paste to add depth and dimension to the project.

Step 5: Add Depth with Antiquing

Donna uses Pentart Antique Paste in Umber to enhance dimension, applying it over all embellishments and wiping off the excess with a dry cloth. The paste settles into cracks and edges, creating shadows that make details stand out and appear 3D. For the best results, apply the paste to a sealed, shiny surface, like one finished with Polyvine varnish.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Donna applies two to three coats of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin, sealing the project with a protective, elegant shine. She brushes white glitter over embellishments for sparkle and highlights pinecones, berries, reindeer, and greenery with metallic waxes like Eternal gold, white pearl, and mint sparkle. Pentart Snow Crystal Paste adds soft, snowy touches to the design, enhancing the wintry feel. Finally, Donna uses a tacky glue pen to place glittery snowflakes with precision, completing the magical winter wonderland look.

A Big Thanks to Donna

We are thrilled to feature this tutorial by Donna from Mason Creations etc. Her creative process inspires beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your artistry with us!

Ready to get started? All the products featured are available at DecoupageNapkins.com. Remember to subscribe to our newsletter for 10% off your next order. Happy crafting!