(This tutorial was previously published in the book Alternative Art Surfaces by Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran Wilson, copyright 2014. It is republished here courtesy of North Light Books and CreateMixedMedia.com.)
Though printable wood veneers are available online and in some paper stores, you can also do transfers on veneer using a solvent marker, gel transfers and waterslide decals. Wood veneers can be your painting surface, a layered surface or transformed into sculpture. Use a variety of wood veneers and sizes for added interest.
We Were Family
Darlene Olivia McElroy
(Transfer on wood veneer.)
1. Apply polymer medium on the back of a piece of veneer and let it dry. (Doing this now will make it easier to trim the veneer later.)
2. On the front of the veneer, do a transfer using a Chartpak solvent marker and a toner image.
3. Cut the veneer into irregular shingles.
4. Apply epoxy to your shingles and attach them to your surface, starting from the bottom of the surface and working to the top. Lay waxed paper on the finished assemblage, add a heavy book and let the silicone dry.
5. Add decorative elements and spritz on paint with a toothbrush. Lightly sand with sandpaper.
6. For a more dimensional look, glue wood shims under some of the shingles.
Tips, Troubleshooting and More Ideas
A nonflexible surface like a wood panel works best as a surface for your veneer shingles. Canvas can warp and is not recommended for this project.
(This tutorial was previously published in the book Alternative Art Surfaces by Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran Wilson, copyright 2014. It is republished here courtesy of North Light Books and CreateMixedMedia.com.)
For more on transfers, refer to Image Transfer Workshop.
To find out more or purchase a copy of Alternative Art Surfaces, click here.
