Under the
Boardwalk
Go back in time and create a retro poster board
effect! By Brenda BrownL
ately I’ve become interested in vintage/retro posters, particularly those
advertising places in California and goods from the 1950’s. It began with
a small wall hanging in the style of a poster which I bought at a market in
Lanzarote. I’ve since wanted to design something inspired by vintage posters, and try a
layered design by echoing the layout of some I’ve seen on the internet.
Whilst researching some of the techniques, images and fonts used, I found many of
the old posters look as though the focal display has been mounted, with muted colour
palettes, evoking a retro style. Graphically many have shapes like arches, patterned
borders or frames, whilst others rely on matte colours, mounts and distressing to
create a nostalgic style. Most are illustrative rather than photographic with font styles
pointing to a specific era. Texture is often used, making the designs feel older and less
mass produced. Having chosen a retro poster theme with shabby, peeled paint effects
like old floorboards, how would I bring this together in my mixed media style? What I
ended up with is flat, no 3D embellishments which took me a while to get accustomed
to! I think it captured the retro vibe perfectly.Designer
tip...
When rubbing candle wax
onto the painted layers rub
harder in some places, these
will be the areas that should
be completely exposed
when you rub it back after
the paint has dried.Go Shopping!
Stamps, dies and DecoArt products all available from Country View Crafts,
http://www.countryviewcrafts.co.uk, 01767 262 304Materials
Stamps Brenda used...
• PaperArtsy Scrapcosy ESC 12
Other materials...
• DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics: Cadmium Red Hue; Titan Buff; Titanium White;
Paynes Grey; Raw Umber; Yellow Oxide; Burnt Umber; Quinacridone Gold
• DecoArt Media Speciality: White Gesso; Texture Sand Paste; Matte Medium
• DecoArt Americana: Weathered Wood Crackle Medium
• DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish: Legacy; Yesteryear; Everlasting
• Sizzix Thinlits: Mixed Media #6 – Tim Holtz; Alphanumeric Label – Tim Holtz
• Sizzix Framelits Circles
• PaperArtsy Stencil Scrapcosy PSMeet the Designer,
Brenda Brown
“I am an independent teacher and
designer and am happiest when
surrounded by inks, paints, mediums
and stamps creating vintage or
timeworn mixed media projects.”
Explore her work online:
http://www.bumblebeesandbutterflies.com
http://www.facebook.com/bumblebutterfly
Project: Shabby Worn Boards