Let's Get Started:
- Sketch outline of desired design onto card-stock using free hand design or trace objects as desired. The work of Artist Romero Britto was used as inspiration for this piece. It is helpful to have pictures of the artist’s work to use as reference while sketching.
- Cut out card-stock sketch to create a template; be sure to cut away negative space within the design template.
- Roll gumpaste to 1/8 inch thickness. (Note – using two wooden paint stirrers, one on each side, acts as a guide to keep gumpaste level throughout).
- Lay design template onto gumpaste and use scalpel (or craft knife) to cut design from gumpaste. Hold the template so that it does not move while cutting.
- Using a pencil, sketch sections onto the dried gumpaste cutout and draw various geometric designs in each segment. Vary patterns across the design. (Note – you can use a pencil eraser to lightly remove any lines drawn in error; however, it is OK to leave pencil lines visible as a guide for painting).
- Using a toothpick, mix gel color and vodka. Wilton No-Taste Red, Orange, Lemon Yellow, Violet, Pink, Royal Blue, Moss Green, Leaf Green, Copper, Brown and Black were used here. (Egg trays come in handy for mixing colors so that colors can be combined easily) Use leftover pieces of dried gumpaste to test colors before painting the design. Colors should be diluted with vodka enough so that they spread easily to give a watercolor effect but concentrated enough to remain bold.
