With simply paper and creativity anyone can create art


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Catching Waves Frame (Helmar/2Crafty)

Well it's been a CRAZY busy and really HOT summer but I've managed to squeeze in a bit of crafting this week. Here is an altered frame I made for Helmar's Decoupage Craft Paste feature week. I also used a bunch of goodies from the Robin's Nest - a preferred partner of Helmar's (Fleur cardstock and shells) and . I couldn't resist also adding some very awesome 2Crafty chipboard to polish things off (catching waves title and a piece of the swirly bird branch).


I started with a plain $1 wooden frame and adhered the beautiful Robin's Nest Fleur collection paper to the frame using a foam brush to apply the decoupage glue, sanded the edges and applied some brown chalk ink to the edges. Let me just say that this was my first time using the decoupage paste and it went on soooo much smoother than anything else I've ever used!

 I then gathered the paper for the photo mat, shells and some Robin's Nest dew drops. For the photo mat I also used the decoupage glue to adhere the paper to the cardboard backing that came with the frame. Please note that this frame is a birthday gift and I decided I will add the dew drops after my friend chooses a picture (just so that the "water splash" drops are in the right spots). The frame is meant for a 4x6 picture but I think it would be nice to put a 3x5 to see an inch around of the beautiful darker paper.

Here is a close-up of the pretty coordinating papers and the gorgeous 2Crafty chipboard. On the chipboard I primed it with gesso, chalk inked it with several brown inks and then glimmer misted here and there for a bit of gold highlights.

Here is a close-up of the beautiful shells. I just added a bit of dollar store twine netting and left it natural but it could be misted if desired (on a grungy project). You can see the same inks and mists were used on the swirl branch chipboard too (love this chipboard design!). I glued the chipboard and shells with my favorite magic potion - Helmar's 450 quick dry. This stuff really is sticky heaven - strong holding, dries clear and acid-free. To preserve this finished frame, I sprayed with Helmar Crystal Kote Matte Spray. Oh and I plan on adding the dew drops using Helmar's gemstone glue of course so the clear beads don't look cloudy - it is simply the best for gems!

I kinda have to admit I want to keep this one for myself but I know my friend will appreciate it for her upcoming birthday - she really loves the beach! Don't we all though?

BLOG EDIT: I just realized that this projects revealed a few hours before TCR palette #125 release coordinates sooo perfectly for this week's challenge -- all by chance, too funny!


LITTLE UPDATE:
Sorry that I've been missing for several weeks in the forums and galleries and blogs but I've have had 6 or 7 kids to take care of each day for most of the summer, guests stay with us, summer vacation mishaps (including sick kid among so many other things) and now I am really behind on EVERYTHING! Hopefully life will slow down in September to catch up with all my online friends.


9 comments:

Shona said...

oh wow this has been a crazy summer I know! busy busy busy here too. This is just gorgeous and she is going to love it :)

Linda Pekrul said...

Beautiful frame Vicky! 6-7 kids??? I don't know how you stay sane. LOL.

Gayle Price said...

Really beautiful Vicky. I love how you have turned something so plain and basic into a really lovely, creative piece. xx

Sandie said...

Gorgeous Vicky, looks so beachy and so so love it. I really like how you included the twine, lovely touch!

Eila Sandberg said...

Talk about lucky coincidence, this is perfect for the TCR! Your summer sure has been a busy one and you've been sorely missed in blogland! Gosh, what a transformation from that plain frame to this beauty! love all the shells and the paper, oh so pretty! xoxo

Words and Pictures said...

Fantastic altered frame... your embellishments are completely gorgeous - all those shells and twirly bits! Love the muted vintage colours too!
Alison x

gracescraps@gmail.com said...

What an amazing transformation. Simply gorgeous!! ~ Blessings, Tracey

http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/

KellyCreates said...

Wow...what a transformation! Love this frame, Vicky :) Hope your life calms down soon...

merniebug said...

So beautiful. It's all perfection.