PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

FIND BEAUTY IN BROKEN OBJECTS WITH THE ANCIENT JAPANESE ART OF KINTSUGI 

Project and styling SAM VAN KAN Photography BELINDA MERRIE

Natasha Dickins.

Project editing

Sam van Kan.

Steps photography

Sophie Heyworth. Some photographs feature

Styling assistant

products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Try the Japanese art of kintsugi to repair your favourite broken dish with adhesive and gold enamel paint

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, disposable gloves) n Drop sheet n Timber offcut n Wooden craft sticks n Craft knife n Fine craft paintbrush n Broken ceramic item (plate, mug or vase) n Two-part epoxy adhesive n Oil-based enamel paint in gold

1 Piece together the broken item. Tip: The epoxy adhesive dries very quickly. Protect your skin by wearing disposable gloves and cover the work area with a drop sheet or cardboard.

2 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate the adhesive on a timber offcut, mixing with a craft stick. With the largest unbroken piece as the base, take the largest adjacent piece, apply adhesive along the joining edge, position it against the base and hold it until the adhesive dries.

3 Working from the largest adjacent pieces to the smallest, apply adhesive along the broken edges that join with the repaired base section, holding in position until the adhesive dries.

4 Scrape away excess adhesive using a sharp craft knife, holding it at 45° to run over the surface.

5 Stir gold oil-based enamel paint with a clean craft stick. Using a fine paintbrush, paint over the joins and leave to dry completely. ◆

DIY TOOLKIT

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1 Selleys ‘Araldite’ super strength adhesive, $14.88/24ml, I/N 0523135. 2 Paint Partner 3.6m x 2.6m clear plastic drop sheet, $2.20, I/N: 1661260. 3 Craftright scalpel knife with 3 blades, $6.29, I/N: 5760217. 4 Educraft ‘ Pop Sticks’ plain wood sticks, $6.98/pack of 200, I/N: 0223350. 5 Jasart size 3/0 round synthetic brush in White, $2.80, I/N: 0291282. 6 White Knight ‘Strokes’ gloss oil based enamel paint in Gold, $9.50/100ml I/N: 1568463.

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Keep in mind...

n Repaired items are not food-safe and might not be watertight, so must be used for decorative purposes only. n Paint colours may vary on application. n Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Made in the USA

BONUS

INSINKERATOR BRUSH’N’PUSH SINK TOOL IN BOX