Instructions

1. Prepare Bird Pattern: Turn over small canvas to the back. Trim bird pattern to just fit inside stretcher frame, onto back of canvas. To transfer pattern, if using graphite paper, place it between pattern and back of canvas and go to Step 2. To create your own graphite area, shade with a pencil on back of pattern. Turn over pattern so that graphite is against back of canvas.
2. Transfer Bird Pattern. Use transparent tape to tape pattern onto canvas. Use pen to trace over lines of pattern, pressing hard enough for graphite to transfer to canvas. (Peek underneath to be sure itÆs transferring.) After all has been transferred, remove tape and paper.
3. Cut Bird Canvas: Place canvas upside down onto X-ACTO Self-Healing Cutting Mat. Use X-ACTO Knife to cut canvas along graphite lines, removing each piece as you go.
4. Cutting tips:
   

   - Start in middle of design and work out, making all straight lines.
   - Rotate canvas as needed so you can pull knife toward you, never pushing.
   - Brace hand with palm on stretcher frame.
   - Prevent canvas from rippling as you cut, by pressing canvas with other finger but not in line of the blade.
   - If accidentally cut too far, apply dot of glue to area on back side. Let dry.
   - Insert new blade when half way finished cutting.           

5. Spray Bird Canvas: Practice painting techniques on scrap paper until comfortable to move to canvas: In a well-ventilated area, protect work area with newspapers and follow manufacturer's instructions to paint. Spray Saffron on back of canvas to seal cut edges. On front of canvas, lightly mist Saffron onto bird area, pulling back can to allow color to fade in the areas around the bird. Spray rest of canvas front and edges with Basil paint, allowing color to fade as it blends with yellow around bird.
6. Shade Bird Canvas: Spray Pecan Stain on top corner edges of canvas, allowing it to drizzle down onto sides and letting it blend onto front of canvas. Daub with sea sponge to create mottled areas, being careful not to press too hard on any cut areas of canvas. Spray with Faux Solution to remoisten paint and blend. Reapply paint and remove or rework using Faux Solution spray until desired look is achieved.
7. Cut Foam Board: To create dark area inside canvas so that cut designs shows well, measure and cut piece of Foam Board to tightly fit into opening of stretcher frame, leaving space between canvas and Foam Board. Apply Tacky Glue to edges and press into frame.
8. Spray Flower Canvas: Follow Steps 1 & 6 using larger canvas and flower pattern, spraying base of flowers with Terra Cotta, rest of flowers with Saffron and more intense Basil on leaves.