The Raven Step by Step Guide

Layer washes to create a grungy vibe perfect for your mixed media projects.

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Step 1

Lay out your mini book covers and internal binding. Choose which way round you would like your book to open.

Step 2 Prime both sides of the book with White Gesso. Make the Gesso easier to spread by adding a little water.

Step 3 Begin layering up washes. Start with a light wash of Medium Grey and Dioxazine Purple, build up the intensity by adding more paint until you are working with neat.

Add splatters too for more texture.

Step 4 Add more washes this time in Prussian Blue and Paynes Grey, concentrating darker colours to the edges of the book to give a sense of depth.

Step 5 Take stamps that match with your theme and use Versafine Black Onyx to layers stamped images across both sides of your book.

Darken the edges of the book by using a sponge to dab Paynes Grey around the edges.

Step 6 Print out your chosen poem and trim down the lines to fit in your book.

Step 7 On to a piece of deli paper, stamp an image of a raven using Versafine Black Onyx - heat emboss using clear embossing powder to give texture and shine.

Step 8

Use matte decoupage glue to adhere the raven image to the book cover. Give the deli paper a little spritz with water to help it to lay flat.

Also add lines from the poem, snip them down to fit your cover.

Step 9 Continue to add lines from your poem through your book, altering the angle and positions to add interest.

I have finished the book with a lace tie, died using a wash of Paynes Grey.

List of products used:

Tando fold out mini book

DecoArt Media Gesso White DecoArt Decoupage Glue Matte

DecoArt Media Fluid Medium Grey DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Dioxazine Purple

DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Prussian Blue

DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Paynes Grey

Andy Skinner Steampunk Stamp Set

Andy Skinner Birds and Bones Stamp Set Versafine Onyx Jet Black

List of tools:

Craft Mat

Selection of flat brushes, one for gluing

Fine Round Brush

Heat Tool

Water Spritzer

Please be advised project notes are provided for personal use only.