Preserve Your Summer Memories into Beautiful Artwork
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
Creating personalized art using your favorite photos is a wonderful way to preserve memories.
In this step-by-step guide, Audra Lynch, an Artist in Residence at Amy Howard at Home, demonstrates how to transform ordinary photos into stunning artwork by transferring them onto burlap or canvas using Amy Howard at Home products.
This technique can be used on a variety of surfaces, making it perfect for home decor, personalized gifts, or even creative DIY projects.
Materials You Will Need:
- Venetian Plaster
- Copycat Transfer Medium
- Burlap
- Milk Paint in Herb Garden
- One Step Paint in Lulu
- Light Wax
- Matte Sealer
- Dust of Ages
- Inkjet printer (for printing photos)
- Foam brush and sponge
- Bondo scraper or similar smoothing tool
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Surface with Venetian Plaster
Begin by applying Venetian Plaster onto your piece of burlap or canvas. You want to create a smooth, even surface that will allow the photo to transfer well. Use a Japan trowel or a similar tool to apply a generous coat of plaster, holding the trowel at a 30-degree angle for better control.
If you're working with burlap, ensure that you select a tighter weave, which will allow the plaster to sit smoothly on the surface without seeping through.
2. Print Your Photos
Print your desired image using an inkjet printer (not laser). If your image contains any text, make sure to print it in reverse (mirror image) so it appears correctly after the transfer.
3. Apply Copycat Transfer Medium
Using a foam brush, apply a liberal coat of Copycat Transfer Medium to both the plastered surface and the ink side of the printed photo. Be careful not to apply too much, but ensure the medium is spread evenly.
Carefully place the photo face down on the plastered surface. Smooth it out with a Bondo scraper or similar tool, removing any bubbles or wrinkles. Let the transfer dry for 2 to 24 hours (the longer, the better).
4. Remove the Paper
Once the transfer has dried, dampen a sponge and gently rub the back of the photo paper. The paper will begin to peel away, revealing the transferred image underneath. Be careful not to rub too hard, as you don’t want to remove the image itself.
5. Create a Crackle Effect (Optional)
For a vintage look, you can create cracks in the Venetian Plaster. Simply crackle the plaster using your fingers or a small tool. To enhance the cracks, apply a light wash of Milk Paint in Herb Garden. Brush the paint lightly over the cracks and quickly wipe it off with a damp cloth if the effect becomes too intense.
6. Seal Your Artwork
After you’ve finished your photo transfer and added any desired effects, seal the artwork to protect it. You can use either Light Wax for a soft sheen or Matte Sealer for a flat finish. If using wax, be gentle, as it can occasionally cause the ink from the photo to fade.
7. Optional: Mount or Frame Your Artwork
For a polished finish, mount your burlap artwork onto a piece of canvas or frame it. Use a clay adhesive or a similar product to adhere the burlap to the canvas or frame. This step is particularly helpful if you want to create a professional-looking display.
Creative Applications
This transfer technique is incredibly versatile. You can transfer photos onto a wide range of surfaces beyond just canvas and burlap.
Consider creating personalized gifts such as pillows, tote bags, or even framed art for your home.
With products like Dust of Ages, you can further age your pieces, adding to the vintage charm of the transferred image.
Transform your favorite photos into timeless art pieces using these techniques!
Whether it's a cherished family memory or a favorite landscape, the possibilities are endless with Amy Howard at Home products.
