Starting with a blank surface can be a little challenging, but on the other hand, it can be the opposite.  You have the choice of doing anything that you want--the possibilities are endless.  And with all of the mixed media supplies that are available, it can be really fun to experiment and learn.  My blank "canvas" in this case was a plain unfinished wood bird house--the kind that you can find in any craft store.ADD ALL TO CART

Items Needed:

• DecoArt Media Mediums and Specialty Products - Modeling Paste - White (DMM21-71)
• DecoArt Media Mediums and Specialty Products - Clear Matte Medium (DMM20-71)
• DecoArt Media Varnishes - Gloss Varnish (DMM25-71)
• Personally Yours - Urban Ink 6x9 - Beliefs (PYU25-K)
• Wood Bird House
• Book Pages
• Assorted Brushes
• Assorted Embellishments
• Palette Knife
• Tacky Glue
• E6000
• Wood Ball Knobs
• Baby Wipes
• Brayer

Instructions:

Gather some book pages for your birdhouse.

Collage the pages on to the birdhouse with the DecoArt Matte Medium, using a paintbrush to apply it and a brayer or old gift card to get the air bubbles out.  Note: make sure to apply the Matte Medium to the top of the papers, also to seal it.  Let dry.

Next brush on a layer of DecoArt Media acrylic paint Titan Buff to the birdhouse.  Wipe some away while the paint is still wet with a damp paper towel or baby wipe.  Keep applying the paint and taking it away until you're happy with the results.

Next step: using the Gears and Cogs stencil and the DecoArt Modeling Paste, apply the paste over the stencil to the roof of the house with a palette knife, making sure to clean the stencil with water after you use it before the paste dries on it.  Let the roof dry.

Stencil each side of the birdhouse with the Carbon Black DecoArt Media paint and the Urban Ink "Beliefs" stencil in random areas.

When the glue is dry on the roof, brush on some Titan Buff paint in a random manner to cover the white modeling paste and the nuts and washers.  I applied the paint in the same manner that I did to the birdhouse itself, painting a layer and wiping away until I was happy with result.

Add another layer of color using the DecoArt Media Antiquing Cream Patina Cream to the entire birdhouse, applying it as the directions say.  Once it's dry, add a watery wash of the Burnt Sienna paint to give it more of an aged look, applying the paint and wiping away until you get the look that you desire.

The next  layer is adding embellishments, but before that, you'll need to seal the birdhouse.  I sprayed the roof with a couple of coats of varnish using the Americana Spray Sealer Finish 12oz. Gloss Spray and I used the DecoArt gloss varnish for the birdhouse.

The final touch is adding the embellishments using either the white tacky glue or E6000, depending on what you're gluing down.  Note:  I glued the feet to the bottom of the birdhouse with the E6000.

Have fun!  You'll enjoy the process of watching the transformation of a plain birdhouse into a one-of-a-kind art piece.