The Icing on the Cake: Transform Your Paint and Pencil Projects

4 May 2011 Author: Elizabeth Barboza

That’s the icing on the cake.  Mmm.  Cake.  Cake by itself is yummy, but once the icing has been added, cake is transformed into something irresistibly delectable.  Now how does this well-used adage apply to your paint and pencil projects?  Well, that’s easy.  A paint or pencil project by itself is, well, cake.  Tasty and enjoyable.  But an embellished paint or pencil project is mouthwatering and delightful.  So now the question becomes, how exactly do you transform your paint and pencil creations?

The key to changing your works from just great to stupendous comes with the addition of dimensional objects.  Any time you include texture and height to a two-dimensional project you automatically create depth and contrast.  Those two characteristics pull the viewer in, sparking interest, curiosity and a desire for more.  Who doesn’t love a second piece of iced cake?  

Texture and height come from mixing mediums; stepping beyond canvas and paint or paper and lead.  They come from incorporating regular craft items onto your paint and pencil works.  The following list gives you some items and ideas of what you can include.  The list is by no means exhaustive, but should be a jumping off point to fuel your imagination.  Because, just as there are hundreds of cake and icing combinations, there are just as many or more ways to transform your paint and pencil projects.

Rhinestones & sequins:
Use these items to add sparkle and shine to your work.  Both make wonderful water droplets or snowflakes.

Ribbon & trims:
Tie a bow around the neck of a puppy or watering can full of flowers.  Add trims to the edges of dresses or table linens.

Paper flowers:
Layer a few paper flowers into a bouquet or over a grassy meadow.  The added dimension will bring life to both scenes.

Brads:
The inclusion of brads will make a subtle difference to your projects.  Their low profile won’t draw too much attention, but will still be enough of a lift to make shadows and contrast.  Use them as flower buds, flower centers or even as polka dots in clothing.

Glitter glue & diamond glaze:
These two mediums, while not truly three-dimensional, can create texture and contrast when applied.  Add glitter to sandy areas and to water or snow for increased sparkle.  Highlight butterfly wings and the petals of flowers.  Try diamond glaze to augment the sheen in a particular part of your project.  Subtly call attention to one puppy playing with a ball or to one specific hot air balloon flying in the sky with the careful application of glaze.

Layer photocopies:
Before you even get started painting or penciling, photocopy onto heavy paper a small section of the project that you want to emphasize.  Complete the project, including the photocopied section.  Trim the copy and layer it on the finished piece using foam adhesive.  This technique is great for butterflies, flowers, bridges, ships and the like.  So that you do not infringe on copyrights, just make sure you only copy small sections and not the entire piece.