Create Moonlit Mixed Media Wall Art with This Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple plaque into a magical celestial masterpiece?

Donna at Mason Creations etc. has done it again—this time showing us how to create a stunning “Moon Goddess” wall art piece that looks like something out of a dream. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to use rice paper, paint, and clay embellishments to craft a textured, shimmering moonlit beauty. It's the perfect weekend project for intermediate crafters—or beginners eager to stretch their skills. Watch the video below and follow along with Donna’s step-by-step guidance!

Step 1: Prep Your Surface

Start with a wooden plaque. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any splinters. Remove any hanging hardware and fill leftover holes using texture paste. Once dry, sand again and wipe clean.

Step 2: Create a Bright Base

Paint the center of your plaque using Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in “Cotton.” This white background ensures the colors in your rice paper will stay vibrant. Let it dry fully before moving on.

Step 3: Apply Your Rice Paper

Select this enchanting rice paper (A5 size) and tear around the edges using a water brush. Lightly mist the back with water. Using Polyvine Decorators Varnish, apply a coat to the center of your board, position the rice paper image, and brush more varnish over the top. Let dry completely.

Step 4: Seal and Blend the Edges

Once dry, seal the paper with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin. This protects your image and allows easy blending. Find a matching shade—like Dixie Belle’s “Midnight Sky”—and gently dab over the edges using a sponge dauber. Blend with Pentart “White Coffee” paint for golden tones.

Step 5: Extend the Design with Paint

Use a fine brush to extend the gown’s details from the rice paper onto your plaque. Mix Berry Wine with touches of gold to mimic folds and sparkle. A light splatter of gold paint using a toothbrush adds a subtle starry effect.

Step 6: Make and Add Clay Embellishments

Use DAS air dry clay with the Stamperia celestial mold to create moons and stars. Freeze the filled mold for 20 minutes for easy release. Apply the embellishments while still pliable using Aileen’s Tacky Glue and press gently to conform to the surface. Let dry overnight.

Step 7: Paint and Antiquing

Paint the dry clay embellishments with Pentart  White Coffee. Antique the piece with FolkArt Wooden Bucket Brown antiquing medium, brushing it on and wiping it off before it dries. This will highlight the molded details and give a rich patina.

Step 8: Final Seal & Wax

Seal the entire piece again with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish using the Polyvine varnish brush for a smooth, brush-stroke-free finish. Once dry, add gold highlights using Decor Wax in “Eternal” with your fingertip—just a light touch on the embellishments and frame.

Step 9: Add Sparkle

Finish off by placing gold rhinestones on the gown, in the sky, and even her headdress using a rhinestone picker tool. It’s the perfect touch of celestial shimmer.

We hope this project has sparked your creativity! A big thank you to Donna from Mason Creations etc. for sharing her expert tips and magical techniques with us.

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Happy crafting! 🌙✨