DIY Artwork: Botanical Prints
Do you love the look of botanical artwork, but don't want to spend for a professional print? Make your own art for a fraction of the cost. This easy how-to project merely requires some specialized crafts store supplies and the botanical template of your choice.
You'll need cold-press board, which is a sturdy, textured paper found in crafts stores. And, if desired, you'll need a can of frisket, which is a liquid similar to rubber cement. Look for it in the model-building department of a crafts store.
For this project, you can use real flowers and greenery, or opt for faux. However, when selecting the botanicals, keep in mind that some forms will work better than others. Round flowers, such as roses, won't lie flat, and something like baby's breath is too wispy. Items with bold forms, such as a tulip with a thick stem, or a large leaf that lies flat, will work best. Heavy flowers or greenery also work better than lighter items, as they will move around less during the spray painting.
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What You Need
Kraft paper or newspaper
Cold-press board
Scissors
Frisket masking liquid
Paintbrush
Silk or plastic greenery
Spray paint
Eraser
White paper backing
Frame
Step 1: Secure and Determine Borders
Cover your work surface with kraft paper or newspaper. Decide the size and number of frames you'll use for your arrangement. For each frame, cut a piece of cold-press board an inch smaller on all sides than the inside measurements of the frame. Tape the board to your work surface
If you like, create an irregular white border on each board by brushing frisket along the edges of the cold-press board with an imperfect stroke, then letting it dry. Wherever it's applied, the frisket will prevent the spray paint from getting onto the board. It dries fast, so you'll need to move quickly when applying it.
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Step 2: Secure Greenery
Place silk or plastic greenery on each board. It's okay if the greenery extends past the edges of the cold-press board, because the final result will be more graphic. The greenery should lie as flat as possible. You might need to manipulate it a bit, bending the greenery so that it lies flat, and securing it with folded pieces of tape.
Step 3: Spray Paint
Spray the board with a single, even coat of paint. Nearly any spray paint will work, but if you're hesitant, practice on a scrap piece of paper first.
Editor's Tip: Industrial pavement spray paint works well for items that are wispy, since it produces a more forceful, direct spray. Keep in mind that this type of spray paint is available only in a limited number of colors.
Step 4: Let Dry
Remove the greenery, and allow the paint to dry, following the guidelines on the paint can. Most paints will be dry to the touch within an hour or two, but let the prints rest overnight before framing.
Step 5: Remove the Frisket
If you applied frisket, carefully remove it. Start at the corners and use your fingers to begin lifting the frisket off the board. Gently peel until all of it has been removed.
Step 6: Touch up the Edges
Use an eraser (a regular pink eraser works well) to remove the portions of the frisket you cannot lift off with your fingers. Start at one edge of the print and work your way around until all of the edges are clean.
Step 7: Mount and Frame Art
Affix each print to a white paper backing, and if you like, place it in a frame. To make a gallery wall, repeat the process with a variety of botanical pieces and colors, then arrange them in a grid on the wall.
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