[Supplies:]

So this actually accomplishes two of my resolutions
or goals as I prefer to call them!
Recycle more and be better a American!


Supplies:

canvas (8x10 is what I used), matte medium, paintbrush,
newspaper (I used the Saturday & Sunday editions of the NY Times),
pencil, ruler, paper towels as it gets a little messy and
a clean workspace.

So basically, I scoured the newspaper for red & blue image of all sorts.
Tried to get a good tonal variety.


I then drew my flag in pencil on my canvas...


Then started filling in the red stripes...put a good thick layer of
matte medium down and start filling in with torn up pieces of the red paper.


Made sure to go around the edges of the canvas,
nothing worse than white edges on a canvas!


Once the red stripes were done...


moved onto the white stripes...


TIP: I used large pieces on the bottom and then put another
layer of matte medium down and filled in the gaps with smaller pieces.
I also used some pieces with text on them to add a little variety.

Once the white was done, moved onto the blue rectangle...I was lucky to
have found stars in the Sunday paper before the Inauguration, but smaller
white pieces would work just fine.


Once you're satisfied with your layout and all the canvas is covered,
give it a good thick coat of matte medium (it dries clear!) set aside and
let the matte medium dry. Pick a place, hang it up and enjoy!