Materials for work:
1. Photo frames;
2. White acrylic primer;
3. One-component varnish for craquelure;
4. Acrylic paints (bronze, black, white, blue, emerald);
5. Matte decorative varnish in a can;
6. Napkin with floral arrangements;
7. Watercolor paper;
8. Synthetic flat brush;
9. PVA, ruler, scissors
Sequence of work
First of all, we disassemble the frames, leaving only the baguette for work. To prepare it for decoration, we use white acrylic primer.
The craquelure technique will be practiced on a larger frame. To do this, paint the front side of it in two layers of black and leave to dry.
Using a wide synthetic brush, cover the surface of the frame with one-component craquelure varnish in one layer. We wait about half an hour for it to dry. We check readiness in an inconspicuous place; the varnish should barely stick to the little finger.
To achieve a shade of turquoise (French - soft turquoise), mix blue, emerald and white paints on the palette until the color is uniform. The shade should be light enough to contrast with the black base, so add white paint if necessary. Apply the resulting mixture to the frame, moving the brush in one direction. Gradually, the top layer begins to crack, exposing the base. You can speed up this process using a hairdryer. Avoid reapplying paint to the same area. Leave until completely dry.
Let's start decorating the second frame using the technique decoupage. We duplicate all stages of work. First, cover it with bronze acrylic paint in two layers. Please note that metallic paints are only suitable as a base; it is not recommended to use them over craquelure varnish.
Apply crackle effect varnish and dry.
We evenly cover the front part of the frame with white paint and let it dry, observing the appearance of cracks.
We cut out the elements we like from a napkin with floral arrangements, separate the top layer and determine their future position on the frame.
A regular file will help you translate the drawing. Place the image face down on the file, and, lightly moistening it with water, carefully transfer it to the selected area of the frame.
So that the image does not move and holds well, carefully coat the top with PVA diluted with water.
After both frames have dried, we spray matte decorative varnish and move on to the final stage of work - making a passe-partout.
The textured side of the watercolor paper will be the front side for the mat, so we turn the sheet over. We use the back of a photo frame with a stand as a stencil. Draw a rectangle with a pencil and cut it out.
We draw two lines diagonally and mark the dimensions of the photograph with dots on the lines. Since the size of the mat should be smaller than the photo itself, then, stepping 1 cm inward from the points, draw a rectangle. Use a utility knife to cut diagonals inside the rectangle and bend the parts of the rectangle outward.
We try on the passe-partout for the photo, and according to its size we bend all four parts of the rectangle inward.
The work is completed. All you have to do is insert your favorite photos, and the Provence style frames are ready!
