Have you ever just taken some time to glance through all the scrapbook papers you can find at a craft store? Even if you don’t do scrapbooks take some time to view their selections. Scrapbook paper isn’t just for making photo books; it’s great for creating backgrounds for unique wall hangings, too. You don’t have to be any kind of an artist to make all sorts of wall hangings with themes you choose. Use scrapbook paper or other paper to make backgrounds then use gift wrap to create the scene. It’s a fun project that’s not only easy but produces a fabulous wall hanging you’ll love to show your friends.
Although you can use most any paper to make the background for your new picture the scrapbook papers allow you to instantly create a theme. However, since scrapbook paper is only available in certain sizes you can use gift wrap, wallpaper, images cut from posters, contact paper and similar types to make backgrounds for larger wall hangings. Start by choose a picture frame for the finished artwork then select the type of paper you want to use for the background.
Do you own any coloring books? If you do, those books can help you choose the picture you want to make. Even though the images on the coloring book pages are usually very simplistic they will look fabulous when you make them from gift wrap. The best gift wrap is a type that’s not too thin and easy to rip. Select gift wrap with patterns that will coincide with your background paper. For example, if you are doing a background that features lighthouses you can choose gift wrap that has images of shells. Although the pictures can be made from solids, stripes and patterns of any sort the best look often has few pieces which are solid in color.
Cut the background paper to the size needed to cover the cardboard which comes with the picture frame. Glue or lay the piece on the cardboard. If you don’t glue the piece in place you can later remove it and replace it with a new picture. Whether you glue or just lay the background down you’ll actually attach the pictures you cut onto the background. Decide on the scene you want to create then begin cutting the pictures. You can just cut every image from a coloring book page or you can use other patterns. Cut just one large picture or cut several smaller ones to create an entire scene.
It’s okay to glue the pictures you cut out onto the background paper but you’ll create a more unique look if you use double-sided tape. Use one piece on the back and the picture won’t lay flat against the background. This gives the finished creation somewhat of a 3-d look. You can cut basic images from the gift wrap then use them as-is or you can enhance the images where necessary. For instance, if you cut a puppy shape you might want to add an eye – or not. Features can be enhanced with marker, pencil, pen or colored pencils. If you’re using coloring book images you can copy the artist when it comes to making bold, black lines, here and there, on the image.
Use the gift wrap in a different way to make even more 3-d images. Cut narrow strips of the gift wrap, roll it from one short end to the other, and use these to make the middles of flowers. Or, after rolling them, flatten or otherwise shape them to make flower stalks, leaves, a sun, stars and more. These rolled pieces give the scene an even more impressive look.
Create different effects by using assorted scissors that feature decorative edges. Use pinking shears or the unique edging scissors to make borders, flower petals and more. Cut words and make a devotional picture or cut wildlife pictures and make a beautiful mountain scene. There are no limits to the various designs you can do. After you’ve finished the scene simply place it in the picture frame. It’s up to you if you want to put it behind the glass or remove the glass altogether.
Cut images of a baby, rattle, pacifier and similar things to make a unique picture for a nursery. Or, cut a swing set scene from a coloring book and make a picture for a slightly older child’s room. Make elegant pictures, cartoon characters, nature scenes and more simply by cutting ordinary images out of gift wrap. You’ll have a good time creating the different pictures but it can become quite addictive. That’s okay, you probably have a long list of people who will be needing gifts this year…
Reference:
- Purchase scrapbook paper here: www.acmoore.com
