I started with removing the unnecessary pieces from it and sanding the edges lightly to remove any rough spots and splinters. I gave it a light coat of gesso for no real reason other than I felt it should have some kind of a primer on it before I got after it with my Helmar Decoupage Paste. I chose a pretty paper from Pink Paislee and cut two pieces to fit both ends of the mouse trap surface. I probably could have removed the spring and replaced it, but doing it in two pieces wasn't difficult.
I gave my paper pieces a couple of coats of Crystal Kote Glossy before decoupaging them to the mouse trap surface.
Once the decoupage was dry, I gave the entire trap surface another couple of coats of Crystal Kote Glossy. I placed a piece of clear tape over the spring so as not to fill it with Crystal Kote Glossy. It probably would have been okay, but I didn't want to take a chance.
I chose to embellish the top with paper flowers and various paper leaves to coordinate with the pattern paper. I gave what started as white paper flowers a quick spray or two of a yellow Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and once dry, I pulled out the can of Crystal Kote Glossy again and sprayed the embellishments.
Once everything was dry and ready for placement on the trap, I put a blob (creative word) of Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant on the trap and was able to arrange my pieces on it. I couldn't resist the quick addition of a few gems using Helmar Gemstone adhesive.
My last step is to adhere magnets to the back of my new clip for attaching it to my refrigerator or, more likely, my metal front door. I'm good for leaving notes for the delivery men in my life.
It could just as easily be nailed directly to a wall or have a hole drilled in the top and hang it for leaving messages or clipping important papers, mail, etc. It could just sit on a shelf and look pretty, too.
I made my clip pretty and flowery, but I can envision some really cute whimsical ones or even some masculine ones for the guys' shops! Think using 450 Quick Dry and gluing nuts and bolts to it.
Needless to say, the clips are pretty strong and can hold a pad of paper, stack of mail, or a quick note.
Helmar products used for this project were Decoupage and Craft Paste, Silicone Adhesive Sealant, Gemstone adhesive, 450 Quick Dry, Crystal Kote Glossy.
Can't find Helmar products in your neighborhood? Check out the left sidebar for a list of preferred online retailers and think about asking your local scrapbook store to get them in for you.
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me. Now head to the hardware store and see what you can alter and embellish.
