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Craft Projects - See It ... Like It .... Make It by Bonnie P. Carrier
Have you been in a craft store or maybe gone to a fair and noticed booths filled with home made crafts such as embellished wreaths or pretty decorated boxes and thought it might be fun to make something like that.
Well it is fun, and it’s a lot easier than you may think. However, lets first start by talking a little about the advantages to making your own craft projects.
One is the cost factor, for example in most instances it is less expensive to make your own decorative wreath than purchasing one already completed. Another savings is with the materials; many can be used for numerous projects. For instance a bottle of paint or a jar of decoupage glue even a yard of fabric can go along way.
Another big plus is the gratification and pride you will feel by taking something you have made and using it as an accessory in your home.
Below please find instruction for two very simple craft projects.
Decorative Boxes: These boxes are terrific for storing all sorts of items. The can be used alone or several sizes stacked one on top of the other would look perfect sitting in a corner of any room.
Materials:
- Plain Boxes - Purchased separately or in sets. Generally made of papier-mâché, can be found at craft stores.
- Fabric - Any pattern you choose. A yard is usually enough to complete four boxes. You can also use wallpaper borders.
- Paint - Your choice of colors. Any brand of craft paint will work fine. Left over latex paint can also be used. If you are going to try the crackle finish, you will need two paint colors. Stain can also be used in place of paint.
- Decoupage Glue - Mod Podge is a good glue, however any brand will be fine. A small bottle is enough to start with, it lasts a long time. The glue will have a milky appearance when wet, but dries clear.
- Paint Brushes - A small brush can be easier to use with cutouts. A medium size will work fine for the painting.
- Crackle Medium - This is optional. If you would prefer just a solid paint color or if you are staining the boxes then disregard this step. Of course you could try it both ways.
Instructions:
- Cut out images from fabric or wallpaper. Tip: some of the images may be small, try using a pair of embroidery scissors they work really well.
- Paint your base coat on the entire box and let dry. If you are using the crackle finish, the base coat is what will show through the cracks.
- If the box is intended as a gift, you may want to paint the inside of the box, lid and bottom with the base coat This will give the box a more finished look.
- Paint a coat of the crackle medium over the base coat. Let dry. The directions on the back of the bottle will give the recommended time for that particular brand.
- Next, paint on topcoat. Use just enough paint to cover on a down stroke motion. Try to avoid over brushing, as this will erase the cracks. The cracking will begin immediately.
- Let topcoat dry completely. Once dry, begin gluing on cutouts
- Spread a thin layer of glue on back of cutouts place on box and smooth to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles.
- After completely dry, brush a thin coat of glue over the cutouts. This will act as a sealer.
Other options for decorating the boxes are:
- Painting each box in a solid color, either all the same or several different colors.
- Covering the entire box in fabric with trim glued around the edges.
- Painting the box then stenciling around it.
- Staining the boxes, adding cutouts, then applying a light coat of the stain over the cutouts for an aged look.
Custom Lampshade: Can’t find the perfect lampshade, why not make a custom one that fits your rooms decor to a tee.
Materials:
- Lamp Shades - Any shape, style, size, or color. The choice is yours. This technique can also be adapted to any lampshade you currently have.
- Fabric - Any pattern that catches your eye or possibly something that fits a theme you may have in the room
- Decoupage Glue - Mod Podge is good, but any brand will work fine.
- Paint Brushes - A small paintbrush works well with small cutouts.
Instructions:
- Cut images from fabric. Tip: if you have chosen a pattern that has any small images, embroidery scissors work well getting into small spaces.
- Spread a thin layer of the glue on back of the cutouts and place on shade in any pattern you like.
- Rub out any wrinkles and air bubbles. Let dry
- When completely dry, brush a thin layer of the glue over all of the cutouts this acts as a sealer.
- The glue will appear milky when first applied, but will dry clear.
Kids rooms are a perfect place for using this technique. How many times have your children fallen in love with a new cartoon character from television? This is an inexpensive way to add their new TV friends as an accessory in their room.
Revamp a dresser or toy box with any left over material by using the same technique as the lampshades. The kids will love it but more importantly, they will think you are Magic.
Looking for a new idea? The next time you are flipping through a magazine and you stop to look at a picture, examine the entire picture not just what the caption on the bottom is primarily focused on. For example, what’s hanging on the walls, is there a bookcase or hutch and if so what kind of objects have been placed on them. If you see something that catches your eye, try making it your self.
One thought to remember, if you do happen to find something you like, don’t get discouraged thinking you have to duplicate it exactly as you see it. In fact by making changes, you’ve personalized it and really made it your own.
The goal here is to help inspire your creativity and to give making your own craft projects a try and once you have, to then continue having fun with them.
About the author: Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating - The Information Center. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. www.savvy-home-decorating.com
This article is shareware. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright © 2007 bonnie carrier
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