Canvas Flowers

Supply List:
4 - 12"x12" canvases
Ceramcoat Paints: Med. Flesh, Dk Flesh, Rooster Red, Avocado, Timberline Green, Burnt Umber and Walnut
Mod Podge Matte
3 packs of 12 gauge brown aluminum wire
527 Glue
Graphite transfer paper
Paint brush
Wire cutters

Instructions:
1. Take pattern to a copy store and have them enlarge the pattern 400%. Cut apart and using the transfer paper, transfer the design onto each of the 4 canvases.

2. Paint as desired. I blended and mixed colors on the canvas and kept playing until I liked the colors. I didn't try to make them look perfect. The brush strokes add to the interest of the piece. Add highlights to the leaves with the flesh tones and shading to the flowers with a touch of the greens and even the browns to the flower centers. I painted the background and sides of the canvas with 2 coats of burnt umber. Don't worry too much about having perfectly smooth lines where the paint colors join, these will be covered up with the wire.

3. Cut and shape the wire to cover each of the lines. This wire is soft and is easy to shape smooth edges. Take your time so that the wire is in the shape desired and will lay flat when placed on the canvas. I prepared several wire pieces at a time and then glued them at one time. Run a bead of glue to define the petals or leaves which you have prepared the wire for. Then place the wire into the glue and press in place. If needed, you can place your wire cutters over the wire to hold down and in place until it stays put. The glue dries fairly quickly.

4. Once all the wire is glued down and thoroughly dry, seal it all with a good coat of Mod Podge Matte sealer. This goes on milky white, but dries clear.

Designed by Melody O'Neal for Ben Franklin Crafts.