There are so many opportunities for creating unusual pieces when exploring mixed-media art. In addition, there are also a lot of opportunities for using unusual supplies to create these pieces. When the word sandpaper is brought up, often woodworking comes to mind.
This is not the case when it comes to mixed-media art, however. Experiment with different grits to achieve the best results. You will find the softer the grit, the better results you will come up with when working in detailed areas.
Explore some uses for sandpaper in your mixed media art projects:
- After a mixed-media painting has completely dried, sand off all of the edges using very rough sandpaper. Once all the edges are completely smooth, you can either leave the edges as they are (so the white of the canvas is showing through), or stain them with ink or a paint wash. This will create a very interesting distressed look.
- Create an altered book cover on either a handmade journal or an altered book project. As with the mixed media painting, sand off all of the edges of the book cover. In addition the edges, sand the spine and random areas of the cover. Again, this look can be left as it is or a color wash (brown would create a nice sepia tone) can be done over the sanded areas.
- When working on niches within the pages of an altered book project, use a light grit sandpaper to smooth edges within the niche and on the edges of the paper clump created after they have completely dried. This is excellent for those who prefer clean edges, rather than brush strokes or the look achieved when adhesives go beyond the edge of the page during drying.
- When working on layering elements on an altered object (or altered book, or a mixed media painting), consider working in phases. Create one layer, add decoupage or gel medium over the layer to seal it in, allow it to dry completely, and then distress the layer with sandpaper. Repeat this process with each layer added until the mixed media piece is complete.
There are also opportunities for sandpaper to be incorporated within mixed-media art pieces. When the sandpaper is no longer holding up during the sanding process, do not throw it away. Instead, add it to a mixed media art piece to add some extra texture and interest. Try not to manipulate it too much on the surface (torn edges with walnut distress ink smudged on gives a great look) so the sandpaper’s original texture is not compromised too much.
