Quite a surprise today when I opened the newest issue of Somerset Studio magazine and found my collaged building blocks. I hadn't sent them in for this particular call for art, but that's the thing about publications, you never really know where your work may fit best!
In addition to the images shown in the magazine, the blocks have many sides and a variety of ways to be displayed. I created themes around 'home' and 'family' and added vintage text, music and dictionary pages to accompany the vintage images.
To recreate the look I have here, simply paint the blocks with brown acrylic paint and allow to dry. Cover each side with an even coating of Elmer's School Glue and when tacky, cover with a coating of robin's egg blue fluid acrylic paint. (I find that the easiest method is to work on three sides while holding the block, dry the paint with a hair dryer (or heat gun) and then continue on with the remaining three sides.) You won't need to force dry the glue, as by the time you are ready to paint your coat of blue paint, the glue will be the right 'tackiness.'
When the blue paint has been painted on, applying just one coat and not over-working, dry with a hair dryer and you'll see the crackles forming. (Do not touch the crackled paint until it is completely dried or it will smudge.) When all is completely dry (later that day) darken the edges of the blocks with brown fluid chalk ink. Now you can decorate with words, images and text to your delight!
It's great fun to share the pages of this great publication with my dear friends Pam Carriker and Seth Apter.
© Nancy Lefko
6 comments:
These are gorgeous! I love the colours you've used,your work is just so classy! Thank you for the technique tips xx
I LOVE your blocks! I had bought some blocks a couple of years ago, but didn't do much with them. Now I am inspired to do something similar to yours! Thanks so much for all the inspiration you give us!
The blocks are fabulous!! Love them
Hugs
SueAnn
Great technique and beautiful blocks. I really love the themed ones that spell out a word. And I am happy also to be sharing these pages with you!
I've seen many blocks collaged - these are probably the most lovely I've seen. Beautiful work
Hi Nancy Lefko,
I love your creations, it's magical and beautiful.
However, I have a small question...
I'm sorry, I'm French and I do not speak fluent English. But I do not understand your technique to crack the paint. Could you explain more clearly please?
What I do not know particularly, is the fact of put a coat of paint on fresh adhesive ... I don't know, really !!
I use white glue PVA, this appropriate?
And painting, I use the acrylic tube AMSTERDAM.
Can you enlighten me on your technique ..?
Thank you very much Nancy,
Ada
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