With a technique we call glitter-painting and the help of a computer, transforming photographs into fanciful works of art is easy. Think of it as paint-by-numbers meets the digital age: Using our new photo-conversion tool, upload a picture and print it in simplified color fields. Add glue to those fields (a squeeze bottle makes it a cinch), and glitter them one at a time. Or add glitter more sparingly to accent details of a picture. Either way, you'll make your favorite subjects shine a little brighter.
In this painting, luminous glitter captures the sparkling personalities of Martha's cat, Vivaldi. We mounted our printouts on wooden painting panels, which keeps them from warping and readies them for display. Adhere them to mat board if you prefer. Expand your color palette by mixing glitter colors. Vivaldi's yarn ball, for example, is made with gold, orange, and brown, as well as gold-orange and red-brown blends.
Upload photograph to your computer. Using our photo-conversion tool, convert the image into simplified color fields. Print image onto card stock using an ink-jet printer.
Trim the printout to fit a wooden painting panel (or mat board cut to desired size), using craft knife and cutting mat. Cover your work surface with scrap paper. Using craft stick, apply a thin layer of paste-style glue to the panel (or mat board). Adhere printout to panel, aligning the bottom edges and smoothing as you go.
Prepare glitter: Pour small amounts into separate baking cups. Set out a few extra cups for blending more hues as needed.
Apply craft glue from a fine-tipped bottle to a color field (it doesn't matter where you begin). If the area is large, outline it first, then use the tip to fill in the space.
Blow stray glitter away using air duster. (This won't disturb glued sections.) Repeat process, covering each remaining color field. You can correct mistakes by gluing and glittering again right over affected areas.
Choose a satin ribbon that's as wide as the panel is thick. Cut a length long enough to wrap around panel's edge; affix it with paste-style glue.
Close
Contributors' Comments Add Comment