This project is a bright and cheerful 5×7 framed art piece featuring a warm Distress Oxide background, soft purple flowers, grassy green details, and bold teal letters spelling “ART.” It’s a fun mixed media project that comes together quickly and makes a sweet handmade gift, studio decoration, or creative display piece. The kit includes the wood frame, the center art panel, and the cutout letters, so all you need to do is paint, layer, glue, and enjoy the process!
Begin by setting aside the frame and letters so you can work on the center panel first. Brush a layer of white gesso over the panel. This helps the sprays and acrylic paint adhere to the wood and gives the color a brighter base. If you’re working on paper, you may not need gesso, but for wood, it gives the surface a nice foundation.
While the gesso is still fresh or after it begins to set slightly, spray your Distress Oxide colors over the panel. Use warm, vibrant colors like yellow, pink, and red to create a glowing background. Dry the layer with a heat tool, then add a few more spritzes if you want stronger color. Let the colors blend and build naturally rather than trying to make everything perfect.
Once the background is completely dry and cool, spray it with workable fixative in a well-ventilated area. This helps lock in the Distress Oxide layer since it is water-reactive. Allow the fixative to dry before adding acrylic paint over the top.
Using green acrylic paint and a liner brush, paint long flower stems coming up from the bottom of the panel. Vary the height and direction so the flowers feel natural and whimsical. Add a few grassy strokes at the bottom using the same liner brush to create movement. Add green lines at the top of each stem to create your dandelion shape.
Load a small stencil brush with purple acrylic paint, then pounce most of the paint off before touching the panel. Lightly tap the brush around each flower center to build soft, fluffy blooms. Layer lighter purple, darker purple, and a little white to create dimension. Keep pouncing and building until the flowers look full and textured.
Paint the frame and the “ART” letters with teal acrylic paint. Let them dry fully. The only letter you really need to pay attention to direction-wise is the “R,” because it can easily get flipped. Once dry, use black archival ink around the edges of the frame and letters to give everything a slightly rustic, finished look.
Use Zip Dry glue to attach the center panel into the frame and glue the “ART” letters along the side. Apply a small bead of glue to the back of each piece. You’ll have a short window to adjust placement, so gently position everything where you want it before pressing it down. The glue dries clear, which makes it forgiving if a little seeps out.
This 5×7 framed floral ART project is simple, colorful, and such a fun way to play with wood surfaces, Distress Oxide Sprays, acrylic paint, and dimensional lettering. The soft purple flowers against the warm background make the piece feel bright and happy, while the teal frame and letters give it a bold finished look.
It’s a perfect little project for gifting, displaying in your creative space, or reminding yourself to do something creative every day!
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Supply List:
- “Art” 5 X 7 Framed Mini Kit
- Decoart Gesso (White)
- Distress Oxide Spray – Worn Lipstick, Mustard Seed, Candied Apple
- Acrylic Paints: Decoart Americana – Atmosphere, Dragon Teal, Avocado Toast, Muse, Titanium White
- Brushes: Tracy Weinzapfel Sets
- Liner Brush: Micron 10/0 X Long Liner Brush
- Ink: Ranger Archival Ink (Black)
- Krylon Workable Fixative
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
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