Hand-painted spring panel using the “Resist” technique
For these hanging circular panels, reminiscent of spring suns, Vili (vilka.co.uk) uses the classic resist technique, combining oil pastels and watercolors.
Materials needed:
Double-sided white cardstock: We used Garda Matt 350 g.
Oil pastel: Van Gogh in a light color.
Watercolors: Here we use Rosa Gallery.
Flat brush for applying watercolor.
Cotton cord and a thick needle for braiding.
Steps:
1. Pastel Drawing: Cut the cardboard into a circle that matches the size of the hoop. Use oil pastels to draw the desired designs directly onto the white sheet of paper.
2. Watercolor (Resist Effect): Generously apply well-diluted watercolor paints to the cardstock. Since pastel is oily, it repels water. The paint soaks into the plain paper, while the drawn lines remain light and stand out clearly against the colored background.
3. Punching holes: Once the paint is completely dry, use a hole punch to make holes at equal intervals along the edge of the cardboard.
4. Lacing onto the hoop: The final step is securing it. Using the needle and cotton cord, the cardboard is laced and pulled taut against the metal frame.
Mosaic made with alcohol markers
In this project, Vili (vilka.co.uk) recreates the effect of a colorful mosaic on cardboard using alcohol markers.
Materials needed:
Metal hoop with a wavy profile: It arrives round but can be shaped by hand.
Alcohol markers with a beveled nib: We used Copic Classic.
Cotton cord and a thick needle for braiding.
Steps:
1. Preparing the Base: Carefully bend the metal hoop by hand until it takes on an egg-shaped form. Cut the cardboard along the same outline, adjusting it to fit the inner dimensions of the frame.
2. Drawing the mosaic: Using the wide, angled tip of the markers, draw the chosen motif (in this case, birds) one square at a time.
3. The glass effect: Since the ink from alcohol markers does not cover the cardboard completely evenly, subtle variations in color result. This slight unevenness in color creates an optical illusion—the eye perceives the squares as real glass or ceramic tiles that seem to refract light.
4. Punching holes: Use a hole punch to make holes at equal intervals along the edge of the finished, painted egg.
5. Securing to the Hoop: Finally, the cardboard is securely fastened to the metal hoop using a needle and cotton string.
