Another Christmas Gift Done!

I have just finished up another Christmas gift - this time for my granddaughter.  (She doesn't read my blog so it is safe to share here).  The idea started with these kits I picked up at the thrift store.  They were complete and the original price tag on each was $35 - I paid $4 each for them so I was off to a good start!

My granddaughter does artwork on the computer, creating anime characters using the Paint program.  So, the first thing I did was lay my hands on two of her pictures.

 The kits came with a stretched canvas and a foam brush, scraper and jar of medium.  First step is to copy the pictures on a laser copier on the special paper provided, making mirror images. Next you brush a layer of the medium over the artwork and the canvas.

Once this is dry, you do the same again, this time brushing in the opposite direction.  Easy Peasy!

 After the second coat is dry, you put a generous coat of the medium on the canvas and then place the artwork copy face down onto the canvas.  Use the scraper then to press the medium out from the center towards the edge of the canvas, wiping the excess off as it oozes out.  You can either let it dry for a couple hours then, or if you are inpatient like me you can put it in the oven at 170 for 15 minutes.  After that you moisten the back of the paper until it becomes translucent.  The paper peels off easily then in one piece leaving the artwork image behind.  One more coat of the medium to seal it all and it's done.  Very good instructions in these kit - very easy project.

 So here they are, with the image applied to the stretched canvas and ready to be hung up on the wall.

I think the two of them look pretty neat and will make a nice grouping on her wall and I think (or at least I hope!) that she will think it is pretty cool.  So, one more handmade gift off the list!