Technical Question

OK, yesterday I bought 4 empty mantle clocks (and a violin case!) at a local antiques shop. Perfect for little theatres I thought... Here is my question. As you can see, I jumped right in and papered this one with music. First I gesso'd it, not sure why, just did. Then I glued on the paper. Well, the edges are not adhering as well as I would like them to. The paper is ancient, and wants to crack... Do I paint varnish over it? or something like 'modge-podge'? I also am thinking perhaps I need to add some kind of trim (ribbon?) to the edges. I am stuck. Figured someone out there may have a solution or idea to pass on. Thank you for your help in advance!!!

Comments

[Tongue in Cheek]

Well I came hee to suggest sanding too. With a fine steel wool, the other idea was to find a circle frame to cover the edges, one in metal or wood.

[juju]

I think you have two options.
One would be to try the matte medium on top but this may not help if the paper is really not adhering to the clock in the first place. The second option is to sand off all the paper and apply it again on to the sanded surface using the matte medium under and over the paper.
Good luck

[Stacey]

I was also going to suggest matte medium, but another option might be to just sand the edges and the loose paper away, letting the wood of the clock case show through.

[Cerri]

I can not wait to see what you come up with this! As for the paper, I would try brushing a matte gel medium over the top. For me, modge podge does not always turn out the way I want it to!