GET READY TO CREATE!

 

Design is important – work out what you want to do before you start. Draw the outline of the boomerang on paper and plan. If you are not happy at this stage you may want to rethink your design. When you paint, check the paint consistency on scrap paper, the same with brush and dot techniques. Practice until you are ready to apply your design to the boomerang. Keep in mind, the boomerang is made from the best Australian timber and will remain a momento for you to keep. Patience, practice and care will be rewarded.

Your boomerangs have been painted with a heavy clear sealer and fine sanded – they are now ready to paint. You can use any paint, but we recommend water based paints as oil based paints and enamels may take too long to dry.

 

School acrylic paints should be suitable. If not, tubed paint from discount or hardware shops can be used. Folk art paints are very good but can be expensive. With a brush, test the paint on the back of the boomerang if you are not sure.

If needed, any paint you will use can be mixed with a small amount of water. As you mix, drip water continuously into the paint until you are happy with the consistency.

 

Paint may be mixed on paper or plastic plates, or glossy cardboard. Our favourite is to mix paint in bottle caps e.g. soft drink, milk bottle or juice tops. You can find them everywhere – kitchen, local shops, school canteens etc. They confine the paint, keep a constant depth for dot painting and may be shared among artists.

 

For dot painting, we prefer to use wooden matches as they give a consistent sized dot, but remember one dip of paint to one dot unless you are aiming for a tapered effect. To change colour, wipe the match with a tissue. You can also use the end of your paintbrush, or for variety a straightened paper clip for small dots and the heads of nails for larger dots.