TECHNIQUE : 'wheat' pasting on your deck

This one is pretty easy but I've been asked how to do it so I took some photos tonight while making some signage for the show.

The good thing about using this technique is that you can print something as a guide you've designed on the computer and then paint over it once it's dried.

Gather your materials. Basic elmers glue watered down about 50:50 or modge-podge (if you want to get fancy and spend money), a junk brush or spreader, the thing you're applying and the thing you're applying it to. It's probably a good idea to put down some paper. (Giant gumball machine in the kitchen is optional.)

The difference with Modge Podge is more then the price. You can get it in a variety of finishes. Gloss, Semi, Matte. They even have glitter, glow in the dark, etc etc etc.

First, spread some glue on the back of your artwork. You need to get the paper wet before applying or you're going to end up with a wrinkled mess when you try to apply it dry to a wet substrate.

Next, get your deck (or whatever you're using) completely wet with glue.

Lay your artwork down on the board while both surfaces are still wet. Lay it from one end to the other smoothing it out fairly well as you go. If you're looking to wrinkle it purposely, now it the time to do it. I'm going for a smooth application here.

Once you get your art where you want it, spread some glue on the top side and begin to smooth out the art from the center outwards. You can use the brush, a squeegee, your hand, whatever.

At this point, while it's all still wet, you can distress things a little by simply rubbing spots you want to distress. In this case I did double duty by rubbing the edges trimming and distressing at the same time.

...and there you have it.

I knocked out three of these in about 15 minutes including taking photos. The Emler's glue dries clear with a matte finish. I assume you can paint right over it but haven't tried it.

So what are you waiting for? Get crackin' on those decks... the clock is tickin'! :)