Did you know?

Have you ever wondered what to use when you don't have all the fancy schmancy tools that you see other artists using online?

Perhaps you are frugal like me and wonder what can I use to substitute for that? or can I use this instead of that?

Well from time to time I am going to share things that I have either found or use or maybe someone shared with me to help you.

Artists are always looking for ways to incorporate items in their stash to use other than their intended uses.

So I am going to start a " Did you Know" article now and again and I invite you to share with me things that you  find helpful, useful, instead of"s.

If I find something online I will direct you to the link to give credit where credit is due and I hope you will do the same if you find something here and share the link. Together we can build up a very helpful resource.

So here it goes.....

Did you know......

to distress the edges of your pages open up your scissors and run the paper between the blades close to the hinge part of the scissors, or, if you take a dressmakers seam ripper run it along the edges of your papers to make them ratty and worn.

Did you know.....

you can crackle your paint with ordinary white school glue? Apply a base coat of paint to your surface, let dry. Apply a rather thick and not too thin coat of white glue to the base coat, paint it on in different directions for interest. Clean your brush and allow the glue to tack up a bit. Next take another coat of contrasting paint and paint over the glue but do not go over the same area you just painted this will glob the paint up and glue and cause a mess. Cover the entire area and leave to dry. You can also use a sponge brush and sponge on the top coat of paint which I prefer to do. Watch as the paint dries, cracks will appear.

Did you know.....

if you don't have gesso not to worry, although white acrylic paint is no real substitute it will do the job. If you need to, just add a bit of water to the paint or your brush and paint the area you want to tone down or add interest to.

Well that's it for today.

Stay tuned for further Did you Know's?