Create Spooky Raised Art for Halloween Decor
, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time
Welcome to this exciting workshop! Audra Lynch Nanay, one of Amy Howard at Home's talented artists in residence, will show you how to create a spooky raised art piece that's perfect for your Halloween decor.
Whether you're looking to create a unique wall hanging or a decorative centerpiece, this project is perfect for adding a little eerie charm to your space.
In this tutorial, Audra uses Amy Howard products and simple materials to transform a plain wooden disc into a textured and dimensional Halloween decoration featuring bats bursting through cracked wood.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below and get creative with your own version of this spooky masterpiece.
Materials Used:
- Amy Howard Venetian Plaster
- Amy Howard Noir Milk Paint
- Amy Howard Light Antiquing Wax
- Amy Howard Dark Antiquing Wax
- Amy Howard Dust of Ages
- Stencil of your choice (Audra used a Halloween-themed bat stencil)
- Jute fabric, Caproni wrap, MDF board (or canvas)
- Wallpaper paste (Roman brand used)
- Japanese trowel or a standard trowel
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
Audra began by cutting her piece of jute fabric to size and adhering it to an MDF board with wallpaper paste. MDF boards offer a sturdier base, but you could also use a canvas if you prefer a lighter option.
Step 2: Mix the Venetian Plaster
Prepare the Amy Howard Venetian Plaster by mixing it with water to your desired consistency.
For this project, Audra recommends making it slightly thicker than usual to achieve a deeper crackle effect. Apply the plaster over the jute using a trowel, spreading it smoothly but thick enough to develop cracks as it dries. You can speed up the drying process with a heat gun for sharper crackles, or let it dry naturally for a more organic finish.
Step 3: Apply Stencil and Paint
Once the plaster is dry, it’s time to stencil! Audra used a bat stencil to bring her Halloween theme to life. For the black stencil paint, she used Amy Howard Noir Milk Paint but also mentioned that Gel Ink would work well.
Apply the stencil over your cracked surface, using a small brush or a shaper tool to spread the paint evenly through the mesh stencil. Once the stencil is fully filled in, carefully peel it away to reveal the design.
Step 4: Add a Broken Linen Effect
For an added eerie effect, Audra created a "broken" look using Caproni wrap. She applied Venetian plaster onto the wrap, making it pliable enough to form and mold. Once dry, she cut the wrap into small pieces and adhered them to her artwork to give the impression that the bats were bursting through the surface.
Step 5: Wax and Age the Piece
To finish the project, Audra applied Light Antiquing Wax to the entire surface, followed by Dark Antiquing Wax in the areas that needed extra shadow and depth. Use a clean cloth to buff the wax for a smooth finish. For added texture and an authentically aged look, sprinkle Dust of Ages over the surface and buff it again to make the details pop.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the wax is dry, you can display your spooky raised art on the wall or use it as a decorative piece for your Halloween festivities.
Add a frame if you’d like to give it a more polished look, or leave it as is for a more rustic vibe.
