Recycled packing material and magazine image canvas tutorial
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STOP! Don’t throw away old magazines or packing material. The tiles around the edges of this canvas were made with images from old magazines. The center piece was done with packing material that was made with paper pulp.
Start by combing through old magazines and find images that inspire you. Don’t worry about them coordinating. Here you see I have chosen a variety of colors and themes. I have found that the more different they are the better it looks. But really I just chose what I liked.
Choose something to glue your images onto. Here I chose little wooden tiles from the craft store. Cut or tear your images larger than the surface you choose to glue them on then trim neatly after the glue dries. I just used a regular pair of scissors. Tip: Add a little water to any white glue and your magazine pieces will not buckle. Then you want to seal your tiles to protect them. I like Glossy Accents by Ranger. It’s acid free, non-toxic and dries to a crystal clear hard surface. It also makes fabulous glue that can replace very toxic super glues.
We’ve all had this type of packing material in our possession at one point or another. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Styrofoam shipping peanut so these should not be that hard to get your hands on. If you don’t have access to this packing material you can use discarded copier paper from your office trash cans or old newspapers. All you do is tear up your paper product into a bucket of water and allow it to soak for a while. You’re looking for a soupy mixture where your paper has broken down. Strain the paper soup and press most of the water out. Kneed in a little white glue and mold into whatever shape you choose. Depending on the climate and the size of your project this may take a few days to dry.
This is the mold I used that I happen to have in my stash from years back but you can find mold ideas at your local craft or hardware store. Try the baking, soap making, jewelry making, clay or mosaic supplies departments. They also usually have a nice selection around the Plaster of Paris.
You can also press the paper pulp and white glue mixture over a plain dollar store tray. Paint and decorate it however you would like.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
