Celtic Cross with Wings

Artwork & Blog post by Erika Venter, QLD

​This month’s theme is Easter Inspiration and our kit of the month is a Celtic Cross with wings. I was so excited when I received the kit because Easter and a Cross just go together so well, and my mind ran away with all sorts of ideas! 

Before I started the project, I asked the Question:
"What is the meaning of the Celtic Cross?"
The Celtic Cross is a symbol used today in many contexts, both religious and secular. The Celtic Cross is like a traditional cross but with a ring around the intersection of the stem and arms. The whole cross is often decorated with ornate Gaelic patterns. Sometimes the Celtic cross is set on a tall base to resemble more closely the traditional Christian cross, and at other times the symbol stands alone. The Celtic cross is sometimes nothing more than a simple “stick” drawing on a gravestone or at a religious site; other times it is sculpted and quite ornate. The Celtic cross is also called the “sun cross” by some who interpret the ring to represent the sun.
I liked the idea of setting the cross on a tall base but then I thought a canvas will do nicely because it would be something to hang on my wall that I could look at it every day. So, this how I designed my Celtic Cross….

​Materials:

• Winged Cross kit
• Powertex Blue, Ivory & Transparent
• 3DFlex
• 3D Sand and Balls
• Rusty Powder
• Vinegar water in a spray bottle
• Colourtrix Blue, Bronze and Gold
• Easycoat Mat
• 3 containers covered with plastic bags
• Water to rinse brushes 
• Bister Blue in a spray bottle
• Paint brushes, sponge, roller & spatula
• Paperdeco & scissors
• Styrofoam & Stanley Knife
• Canvas 45 x 70cm (approx.)

​Step 1:
Draw a cross onto the Styrofoam - a bit bigger than the MDF cross in the kit - then cut it out using the Stanley knife. Remove the top layer and sides from the Styrofoam (scouring it with your fingers or a serrated knife)… it may be messy, so its handy to have a portable vacuum close by!

I wasn’t sure what colour to do the cross and wings so I painted them blue on one side and Ivory on the other, then let them dry. Paint the canvas blue using a roller (it’s much easier to use a roller for a bigger surface and you will use less Powertex) Use a bigger paint brush and apply Powertex Ivory over the blue – allowing some of the blue to still come through. Place the Styrofoam cross in the centre of the canvas and stick it on using Powertex Transparent.

​Step 2:
​Cut the Paperdeco into two pieces the same size as the Styrofoam cross. Wet the paper deco with a bit off water and stretched it so that it fit over the cross. Apply a layer of Powertex Transparent onto the Styrofoam and then place the Paperdeco onto the cross, applying another layer of Transparent ove.r it so that it sticks. Let it touch dry. TIP: it’s always handy to have a hairdryer in reach if you’re in a hurry

Step 3: 
Mix some3DFlex with Powertex Ivory until you get a paste, add it to the bottom of the canvas to create texture and then use 3D sand and balls to create more interest. Spray the 3Dflex with Blue Bister to greater a cloud effect.

​Step 4:
Apply Colourtrix Blue, Bronze Gold and Gold using  Easycoat mat onto the Paperdeco to create a bark effect. It looks really good with the Powertex blue in the background.

Step 5:
I was still not sure whether to use the Blue or White for the cross and wings, so in the meantime, I mixed 3DFlex and Powertex Ivory to create more texture on the bottom and then sprinkled some of the sand over it. I sprayed Bister Natural Brown over the 3Dflex while it was still wet. Then I left it outside to dry and start a crackle effect. TIP: if you use too much Bister you can just wipe some off with a damp cloth until you reach the desired colour.

Step 6:
Finally, I made up my mind to go with the Ivory side of the Wings and Cross. I had an idea to make the wings look like there were feathers on it and to make the look rusty. To do this, mix Powertex Ivory with 3D sand and rusty powder until it goes a dark grey colour, then use a spatula and apply it to the cross. Spray 50% vinegar and water mix over it and allow to dry. Repeat the vinegar application at least 3 times. This won’t rust immediately - it will happen overnight. Set it aside.

​For the wings you need to mix Powertex Ivory with 3DFlex powder until you get a runny mix. Use a spatula and apply it on to the tips of the wings and leave it to dry. 

Step 7:
​Decide where to position the wings and cross, then use Powertex Transparent to glue them on. To finished off the Celtic cross you can decorate it with rhinestones or just use Colourtrix for embellishments. I used Colourtrix Clear Gold on the wings and the cross. You can use the same Colourtrix for the 3D Sand and Balls on the bottom of the canvas, which just makes them stand out more.

Step 8:
​When I stood, I decided to change the brown earth look to a much lighter sky and cloud effect and this is how I changed it…. I used Powertex Ivory and painted over the brown at the bottom of the canvas. I then used Powertex Blue with my big paintbrush to create a cloud. This was the best decision I made because my Celtic Cross just came alive and I was so happy!!!

I am glad I first decided to go with the earth effect because this gives you two different ways to create your Celtic Cross. 

This was so much fun and I loved my end result!

This Celtic Cross with Wings project will allow you to make use of a variety of techniques using Powertex, 3DFlex, Bister, Easycoat Mat and 3 Colourtrix colours.
​
                     Join me on my creative journey with Powertex
Enjoy the ride
​Erika

Winged Cross Kit