Hot Tip Tuesday

Every now and then I feel inspired to create an off the page project like an altered book or canvas, and most time I like to add words to my creation. It's often the case that the chipboard letters I have in my stash are missing a letter or two that I need to complete my title. Instead of rushing out and purchasing yet another packet (and ending up with two hundred letter X's) I will attempt to construct the letter I need using what remains in the packet. In the photos below, I've shared my technique for creating an "e" from pieces of other letters that always seem to be in excess...

I firstly construct the "bones" of the letter -  in this case I've used a "c" and part of a lower case "q", which I was able to cut with a sturdy pair of scissors. The letters are glued to the canvas and allowed to dry thoroughly.

Next, I apply texture paste over the joins. I use a palette knife to get a nice flat surface.

Shaping tools are useful to push and shape the texture paste around my new letter.

After allowing everything to dry thoroughly, I give the letter a light sand to remove any rough spots. Once the gesso, paint and mediums are applied, you won't see any difference between my newly created letter and all the other letters on the project.