Hello Helmar fans, Vicky blogging today. Well it's been a CRAZY busy summer for me (and a HOT one too!) but I've managed to squeeze in a bit of summer themed 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 collection cardstock and shells) and . I couldn't resist also adding some awesome 2Crafty chipboard from my stash to polish things off.
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 paste, 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 4×6 picture but I think it would be nice to put a 3×5 to see an inch around of the beautiful darker paper. Actually this would look nice on my fireplace matke with a heartfelt quote instead of a picure – should I keep it? Just kidding!
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! Thanks so much for joining me today and taking the time to view my project. I hope my friend will like it, I know she's not crafty and appreciates handmade items.
Vicky Alberto, Design Team Member
http://simplypaperandcreativity.blogspot.ca
