Quick Tips for Creating Primitive Crafts

Antiquing a primitive or folk art project quickly and easily simply requires a little know-how. A few shortcuts to making a primitive doll or antiquing materials can make the crafting process easier without sacrificing the quality of your work.

Antiquing Paper

Add a sepia tone to blank paper, printed designs, and more, using a little paint, water, and dried cinnamon. Mix a rich, light shade of brown (like Raw Sienna) with water, about one teaspoon to a cup. Spread on your piece of paper with a brush, taking care not to blur text or colored ink; if necessary, add more paint to the mixture for a darker dye.

To “dry age” paper, try rubbing dried cinnamon around the edges or any “tears” added for creative effect. The cinnamon should add brown stains and a grungy look to otherwise white spots on the page.

Peeling Paint

Create the effect of peeling layers of paint and an “old furniture” feel using a simple trick for smaller pieces. Paint the object with a dark base coat of your choice — once dry, spread a layer of white craft glue over the painted surface. Wait a few minutes, then apply a lighter coat of paint directly over the glue. When the glue finishes drying, it will split the top layer of paint, revealing dark “cracks’ from the coat below.

Aging Fabric

Dye white muslin with a darker, “antiqued” finish without using a hot tea dye. Just mix a little light brown paint, about a teaspoon or so, with a cup of water, and brush onto the fabric. For extra age spots, soak the fabric in the dye for a few minutes before wringing it out and letting it dry in a heap. Add a little cinnamon to the fabric while wet to create a grungy look and feel perfect for primitive dolls.

Quick and easy steps to creating great primitives are easy to discover with a little practice. Find new ways to create a unique primitive piece without spending extra time preparing your materials.