Step 1: Carefully rule out a rectangle in the canvas measuring 140cm x 90cm (or to whatever size you wish). Cut it out. Take the double-sided tape and lay it along one edge on the un-primed side of the canvas, pressing it firmly into place. Remove the backing tape, and fold the canvas over with the tape. Press firmly down and smooth out any air bubbles. Repeat on remaining three sides, so that all four sides have a folded edge.
Step 2: Turn the mat over so the primed side is facing you and use the masking tape to make a variety of different sized and shaped triangles, all over the canvas. Make sure that all three sides are outlined in masking tape with no gaps so the shape is well defined when you apply the paint. Press the masking tape down firmly.
Step 3: Give the testpots a good shake before you open them, and using a mixture of Resene Lickety Split, Resene Kermit, Resene Top Secret and Resene Tutti Frutti, paint the inside of each of the masking tape triangles.
Step 4: Take the three foam dabber brushes, and dab them in three different colours of paint, making sure the surface is evenly covered. Use them to make three circles, each smaller than the last, stacked on top of each other to make another tree shape. Remove the masking tape carefully, and do any touch-ups that are necessary with the medium-sized artist’s brush.
Step 5: With the fine artist’s brush, use Resene Surfs Up to make tree trunks and branches, going up the centre of each tree as shown. Once that’s completely dry, brush Resene Aquaclear over the entire surface of the mat to seal and protect your design. You may wish to give it a couple of coats.
See more great step by step projects for children at www.resene.com/kidsprojects.
words and styling: Helena Dunn
pictures: Mark Heaslip
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Printed copies of habitat highlights are available from late March 2024 at Resene ColorShops and resellers, while stocks last. You can view back issues of habitat magazine online.
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If you have an idea, project or story that you think would suit habitat, we’d love to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your details and include photos if submitting a project.
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