Using BIG Words in Your Art, Literally

Making something bigger can sometimes enhance a seemingly ordinary project into something unique. A word or name is plain when written on a piece of paper but if those letters were suddenly enlarged 100x then it creates a whole new character. Today, we have two projects by Neva Cole and Roni Johnson that do just that.

Papier Mache Art by Roni Johnson

The bigger the better! What comes to mind is larger than the norm, but it also conjures up the idea of something a bit over the top! A project a bit larger, brighter, with more techniques, more products, and more goodness piled on. That is what inspired my “Art” that I’d like to share with you today. This is a hand constructed papier mache project that is not only larger than the norm but it is also styled in my own handwriting. I’ve not seen a project like this done before which just adds to my “more” theory of the bigger the better. Here’s a quick look at how it was made…

I started with drawing the word “art” then transferred the text onto a large piece of chipboard. I trimmed away the excess chipboard and made a second copy by using the first piece as a template.

crafting a paper mache project

Next, I decided to make the depth 2.5” and trim several strips of chipboard to the same size. I simply taped these sides to one piece and taped the second piece to create the backside. I used tape here with these materials. I am certain a glue gun or adhesive of choice can be used instead.

inking a paper mache project with tsukineko ink

To create a proper ground for this 3-D project, I used strips of newspaper and cover the entire piece with a thinned down glue (of your choice) and let dry. I found that mine was sturdy enough after the first layer to proceed and painted the entire piece with white acrylic paint (or gesso). Since I work hard to set up a solid foundation it was not time to go crazy! And I finished the overall look with stamped images over the front of the piece, Onyx Black VersaFine ink, various colors of Creative Medium over several different stencils, and several colors of Fireworks Spray. Once my colors and texture were laid down I finished with adding vintage-looking items such as old paint brushes, pencils, and calligraphy nibs. Yes, it is easier to just buy individually manufactured papier mache letters, but this was worth it to have a one of a kind piece in your very own handwriting. Enjoy!

Supplies

Imagine

Fireworks! Shimmery Craft Spray – Bahama Blue, Lilac Posies, New Sprout, Rose Bud
Creative Medium – Iridescent Blue, Pink, Green, Purple
VersaFine – Onyx Black
On Point Glue
Sponge Dauber

Other

Chipboard
Newspaper
Collage Glue
Rayon Seam Binding
Microbeads
Glass glitter
Scissors
Old paint brushes
Old pen nibs
Old pencils

Bigger is Better Family Wall Décor by Neva Cole

This project is a perfect example of buying something with the full intent of completing a project but never actually getting around to working on it . . . I’ve had these letters for about 2 years, maybe even more. Insert a blush here! When the challenge to create something Bigger and Better came along it was finally time to decorate these 9.5″ letters that spell our family name–Cole. The Sierra Pacific Crafts Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) letters were painted with a mixture of Creative Medium mixed with VersaMagic Jumbo Java ink. This gives a nice glossy color in one coat that dries quickly. Several stencils and Creative Medium Metallic in Gold mixed with a small amount of Copper finish the look. The stenciling was completed in several steps with drying time in between to avoid smearing. This fun wall décor was easy to create in an afternoon and was ready to hang on the wall with small Velcro hangers. Our name is now proudly hanging above the coat rack my husband built in the entry way of our home.