Haunted Portrait

 $16 - $20 (based on 2014 prices)

The picture frame is the most expensive element in this project. You can make a subtle statement with a small, cheap frame or a dramatic impression with something more massive and ornate. You can also create a series of portraits with several smaller window clings. 

• One 16" x 20" picture frame with mat and cardboard backing (glass pane optional)
• One Halloween-themed window cling
• Four pieces of 8.5” x 11” copy paper
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• At least four tablespoons of black tea (e.g. Darjeeling, Earl Gary, English Breakfast, etc.)
• One pan large enough to soak the copy paper

1. Boil enough water to completely submerge the copy paper and pour it into the pan. Add the tea. The longer you brew the tea, the darker the stain will become. Likewise, greater amounts of tea will produce a richer stain. I found that a combination of English and Irish Breakfast brewed for over ten minutes produces a nice, deep brown. Submerge the paper into the tea mixture and soak it until it reaches the color you desire. I soaked mine for eight hours and scattered the loose-leaf tea over the top of the paper to add spots. Remove the paper from the water and allow it to dry. Although it can be time consuming, this process works best if you stain each sheet of paper individually.

2. Deconstruct the picture frame, separating the frame, mat, cardboard backing, and glass pane (use of the glass pane is entirely optional).

3. Glue the stained paper to the cardboard backing. To make it appear even more decrepit, create holes and tears in the paper.

4. Glue the window cling to the paper, pressing it as smooth as possible.

5. With the black and brown paint, create smears, spots, and stains on the mat. Play with the patterns until you reach the design you desire. To give the mat a withered appearance, make bends, holes, and tears.

6. Glue the mat to the cardboard backing and attach it to the frame (adding the glass pane, if you choose to use it). You can brush the frame with black and brown paint as well to add an additional level of age.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.