The Making of “A Mermaid in the Making”

Here’s a DIY post to demonstrate how I created the mixed media piece, “A Mermaid in the Making.” I began with the backing of a frame I had from a picture frame that wasn’t of any use. The paper is from “The Once Upon a Time Stack” by DCWV. I printed my poem onto the paper.

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Next, I used Mod Podge to glue the paper onto the frame backing. I like matte finish.

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Take an old credit card and push the paper down to clear the bubbles.

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After pressing down the paper, apply Mod Podge to the top of the paper and spread evenly. Use your finger to press out the bubbles.

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For stubborn bubbles, make a tiny slice in the paper and then press. The frame backing had some metal pieces that attach the support piece. These make the paper appear three-dimensional.

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Next, I painted some metal leafing adhesive to the corners and outside edges.

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Take pieces of gold leafing and press them into the adhesive.

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I decided to only frame half of the piece with gold leaving to communicate the idea of the mermaid falling into dark water on the right side of the piece.

[image error]Lastly, use an assortment of acrylic blues and greens and mix with Golden Gel Medium Coarse Pumice Gel for the main part of the tail to create a rugged 3-d effect. For the fin area, mix the paint with Golden Gel Medium Clear Tar Gel to create a stringy look. Finish the tail with glitter glue for an added sparkle. Place a piece of a rhinestone earring at the top of the tail by the midriff area.

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Add some of the tail paint and glitter to the undersea plants and bubbles to complete your magical undersea world. Here’s the finished product.

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