Decorative Art

Decorative Art

Bluebell Magic
A beautiful sight in the last week of April is the carpet of bluebells in the woodlands and banks of our countryside.
A little bluebell magic has been captured on this recycled Danish biscuit tin – part of a collection from Christmas! An ordinary round tin lends itself very well to a project of this nature, and it does not matter if your tin is not exactly the same. Most tins can easily painted and would look just a effective with this pretty bluebell design.
The background of the tin has been sponged, which creates a heavy textured effect. We have used a dark colour which covers well and does not require an  undercoat. Sponge straight over any existing design taking care to cover it completely.
It is usually preferable to use natural sponges to apply paint in this way, however, they can be fairly costly and as this is a re-cycling project we have an alternative. Try picking small sections from the straight edges of car sponge, just roughly until you are left with a softer shape and more interesting holes.

You will need

• Acryla flow Rowney paint
• Sponge – natural or old care sponge
• Tracing paper & sharp pencil
• China marker
• Old biscuit tin
• Paintbrushes size 000 for detail and No. 1 for remainder.

Step by step
Step 1
Sponge on dark blue all over the tin including silver rims. When completely dry repeat with the same colour.

Step 2
Sponge over base colour lightly with lighter blue and allow to dry completely.

Step  3
Enlarge bluebell motif to desired size, if necessary, on photocopier. Trace design then place tracing in required position on top of the tin lid. If you wish the design to be reserved by tracing then turning tracing over before rubbing down. This will give you the left spray of bluebells. Note when tracing down onto the tin rub over back of template with China marker, then trace down with a nice sharp pencil.

Step 4
Painting Bluebells
Mix paint to follow quantities:

• 2 parts dark blue + 3 part white + 1 part pink – this provides colour of overall bell.
• 3 parts white + 1 part light blue – this provides the colour for the tendrils under the bell.
• 1 part blue + 1 part pink + hint of white – this provides colour for line highlights on bell, also centre of underneath.
• White dots under bell
• Use green for stalks of leaves – take care not to paint too thickly.

Finally the design around the top of the tin is two curls that meet in  the middle and come up to a point – rather like moustache!

Transform an old tin into something really special using our easily guide and template. The bluebell theme eill provide a reminder of sunny spring day.