As children develop their self-image, they are often fascinated by their own appearance and love to make self-portraits. Most children also love to color. As a result, these pop art self-portraits are a great craft for self-expression.
Supplies
- Cardboard canvas panel
- Digital photo of child
- Photo manipulation software
- Printer
- Liquitex Matte Gel Medium or similar adhesive
- Drill
- Brayer
- Crayons
- Embellishments
- Hot glue
- Narrow ribbon, yarn, twine or other material for hanger
Because all photo-editing software is different, it is not possible to write detailed step by step instructions for the conversion procedure. However, most software uses similar terms for how to manipulate images. If your program has a posterize option, it will probably be the easiest and best way to create the coloring page. However, if it doesn't have a posterize option, the instructions below will help you how to figure out the steps to make your own coloring page.
Note: If you do not have photo-editing software, you can go to Crayola’s website and use their software to make coloring pages.
Instructions for Converting Photo to Coloring Page
- If the photo is a color photo, convert the photo into a black and white photo – most photo-editing software has a function that will allow you to do this.
- Enhance the contrast in the photo. Stronger contrasts will make it easier for the program to find the edges that will be used for the outline of the coloring page.
- Find the tool in your software that allows you to find the edges of your image. Adjust it as necessary to bring out the right edges to create a colorable page.
- Fiddle around with the contrasts and edge preserving smooth to clean up your image so that it is easy to color.
- Use the clone tool to remove areas of the illustration that are distracting.
Instructions for Pop Art Wall Portrait
- Prepare your cardboard canvas by drilling holes in the top two corners. These will be used for decorative hangers.
- Spread a generous coat of the gel medium on the back of the coloring page. Carefully position the image on the canvas panel. Use the brayer to smooth it down and eliminate air bubbles.
- Have the children color their portraits. Crayons work best because the colors are vibrant but they don’t damage the paper or obscure the lines too much.
- When the children are finished coloring their portrait, let them pick some embellishments to decorate their portrait with.
- Have the children arrange their gems and then hot glue them down (hot glue is necessary if the gems are to be glued over colored surfaces, the wax in the crayons make other adhesives ineffective).
- Thread some the twine or other suitable material through the holes to use as a hanger. Leave the ends on the front side of the portrait and string some beads or other embellishments on them for decoration.
Ideas and Suggestions
- Make a set to give to the grandparents for Christmas or birthdays.
- If you have more than one child, hang the portraits clustered on the wall for greater visual impact.
Melissa Howard - I am a stay-at-home Mom. My college education was in English and History and my last job was as a Technical Writer. Now that I ...
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