The Trashy Owl

I LOVE steampunk owls.  Like a lot.  So much so that I have dedicated my bathroom décor to them.

The picture you see above is the one that started it all.  After creating my Aviator Owl, I couldn't get enough of the steampunk flyers.  Which led me to create my newest edition to the bathroom collection: The Trashy Owl.  Which, ironically enough, is a owl... on a trash can.  :)

So, here are some images of the process it took to create The Trashy Owl.

First, you start by base coating the trash can with the basic colors you will need. 



 

 

Next I decided to line the inside of the trash can with old book pages.

 

 

 

 

 

Once that was finished, it was time to start distressing the base of the trash can.  I started by layering different colors of ink, acrylic, and sprays to create the effect I wanted.

 

 

 

 

 

After the trash can had been distressed to my liking, I decided the layout for the entire piece and began painting my designs.  I also took this moment to distress the decorative blue edge of the trash can, adding color, inking, and sanding back down to the blue color.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next I inked, painted, and cut out the owl in order to apply him to my piece, giving the design more of a layered effect that would really help the owl pop.  

 

 

 

 

But, as you can tell, the owl doesn't seem to blend in with the piece yet.  He just seems to kind of float on the surface of the trash can.  So, in order for my owl to blend in with his surroundings, I side loaded my paint brush and shaded/highlighted around the owl. 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, I applied an "Embrace Imperfection" metal tag to the piece, added a few more finishing design strokes, and sealed my piece, giving me the new addition to my bathroom collection!