Mixed Media Beach Decor

Hello, G45ers!

Looking to add a splash of summer fun to your home decor?  Try creating a beach themed Mixed Media Wall Hanging with Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador, Cal Summers.  Cal walks us through the process below with step by step photos and a video overview. This project is filled with great paper crafting techniques that would be great to use on mini albums and cards as well!  So grab your papers and join our #G45Summer – July Challenge!

Mixed Media Wall Art Tutorial

By Cal Summers 

“Hey G45ers – how are you getting on with your #G45summer projects? With a name like mine I’m always in the mood for spreading some sunshine!

Summertime just makes us all think of the sea and long beachy days so what better collection to use than the nautically coloured Catch of the Day (now on clearance – shop now while supplies last). I wanted to make something to hang on my wall so I can remember summer sun even in the cold winter months. It’s very easy to put together and really doesn’t use much of your precious paper at all!

First of all find a substrate to use – I picked up a wooden slatted back board at my local craft store. I painted it white with acrylic paint then added some crackle glaze and stenciled paste onto it. To be honest – that last bit was pointless because you can’t see it when the project is complete!

Once it was dry, I used spray inks for colour then decided I didn’t like it because I wanted to use some paper that I had sewn on instead. I cut a whole load of strips of paper from the patterns and solids pack at one inch, three quarters and half an inch wide. I machine sewed down the middle and folded them. I made sure I left the ends of the thread dangling to add some interest.

Once I had enough strips, I glued them onto my background and then painted a little more white acrylic on the top of them so the colour was a bit more muted.

Once that was dry, I cut out the red circle image from the main collection and lots of the blue from the patterns and solids pad. I then glued them on to my background – you can see exactly how in this series of photos.

I then added my policy envelope. I just used a good PVA glue to adhere these layers.

One of the things I love to do with my G45 paper is layer up the gorgeous images. So I cut two identical images and then from one I cut out the parts I want to raise up on foam pads or chipboard. I think it gives a really nice 3-D effect.

I then layered up all my favourite cut aparts, chipboard pieces and journaling cards to form my picture. You can see addition by addition here. I also added some flowers and finally some bits of white cotton tucked behind some of my images.

Thank you for joining me today – I do you hope you give the project a go and share it in the G45 Community group – don’t forget your #G45Summer hashtag!” ~Cal 

-Video Tutorial-

Mixed Media Wall Art Tutorial featuring Catch of the Day by Cal Summers

Supply List:

Catch of the Day 12×12 Collection Pack

Catch of the Day 12×12 Patterns and Solids

Catch of the Day Chipboard shapes

G45 Staples roses

G45 Staples Policy envelope (retired)

Cotton thread

A substate base for your project

White acrylic paint

Looking for more projects by Cal Summers?

UPDATED Envelope Book Tutorial Featuring Cottage Life by Cal Summers

The Pop Up Book with Graphic 45 Let it Bee Overview

Happy Papercrafting!

Want even more Graphic 45? Sign up for our newsletter here!