Hanging Witch Specimens

$15 - $20 (based on 2018 prices)

Makes two portraits

For the witch den, which was part of my office’s annual decorating competition, I covered the walls in an assortment of framed specimens. To give the illusion of an eclectic collection, I created small groups of props with varying designs. For this version, I used animal skeletons and frames decoupaged with Latin script. You can, of course, cater the props to your specific needs by altering the size (a subtle statement with a small, cheap frame or a dramatic impression with something more massive and ornate) or specimens (an eerie mixture of rat skulls or a bizarre cluster of bat wings).

• Two 8” x 10” frames
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black
• Four pieces of 8” x 11.5” copy paper with Latin script printed on them (two for each frame)
• Two pieces of 8” x 11.5” blank copy paper (one for each frame)
• At least four tablespoons of black tea (e.g. Darjeeling, Earl Gary, English Breakfast, etc.)
• One pan large enough to soak the copy paper
• One 4 oz. bottle of decoupage medium
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in cherry cobbler*
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in red chestnut*
• Two plastic animal skeletons
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*

1. Remove the backings and any glass from the frames and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, apply an even coat of black spray paint. Although I only used one coat, you may want more depending on your desired coverage. Keep in mind, though, that this is the base coat and much of the black paint will be covered up by the decoupaged paper.

2. Boil enough water to completely submerge the copy paper and pour it into the pan. Add the tea. The longer you allow the tea to brew, 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.

3. Cut or tear apart the copy paper with the Latin script and cover the entire surface of the frames with the pieces. This process works best if you move in stages: apply a layer of decoupage medium to one section, press the paper down until it sticks, and repeat the process.

4. Water down black acrylic paint and brush it over the frames, ensuring the liquid settles into all the wrinkles (you can also use a spray bottle for the application). Allow the mixture to sit for a minute and then wipe it clean. You may want to experiment with the consistency prior to doing this: the more water you add, the fainter/lighter the wash; the less water you add, the deeper/darker the wash.

5. Use cherry cobbler paint to draw Celtic knots onto the two blank sheets of copy paper. You can add the markings randomly or put them in strategic places. While I elected to use Celtic knots, you could modify the prop by writing spells across the surfaces or using patterns of your own design.

6. Glue the paper to the cardboard backings. To make it appear even more decrepit, crinkle the paper and create holes.

7. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, stain the animal skeletons. I began by giving each one a light, even coat with a foam brush. After that, I applied heavy amounts of stain to the ends and patted away the excess with paper towels. You want the color to build up in the cracks and fissures. Although you may use whatever color of stain you desire, I chose red chestnut because it gives the bones a fresh, meaty appearance. Once you have achieved your intended look, allow the skeletons to dry. I let mine sit outside in the sun for three days.

8. Center the skeletons on the backings and glue them in place. For a sturdier hold, consider using superglue.

9. Attach the frames to the backings. For added support, glue the backings in place, particularly if you plan to display these in windy conditions. If the frames did not come with hanging hooks, you can add store-bought items to the back or fashion your own with steel wire.

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