I know I have been posting lately with Decorating on a dollar. This is one of those projects but it was the cost was a bit higher then I would have liked… $6- $10! I know it's braking the budget! (snicker).
Supplies:
- 1 – bottle of Helmar Acid Free Glue
- 1 – jar set of Helmar Crackle step 1 and 2
- 1 – bottle of Helmar 450 Quick Dry
- 1 – large garage sale frame ($1)
- 1 – piece of foam core ($3.99)
- 1 – Can of glossy white spray paint (Wal-Mart’s cheapest $1)
- 1 – Silver Glitter
- 1 – Silver ink pad
- 3 – sheets of black cardstock
- Dictionary pages (find the pages with the definition you are wanting to replicate) or some book pages
- 1 – template from Crafter's Workshop
- 1 – sponge
- 1 – exacto or sharp pointed scissors
- 1 – disposable cup
- 1 – paint brush
Step 1: Cut the foam core to fit inside your frame
Step 2: Spray paint the frame while it dries between coats I worked inside on the rest of the steps. (Periodically check on the frame and apply any second or third coats that may be needed.)
Step 3: Use your exacto knife or scissors to cut out the pages from the dictionary. I chose the pages around the word Ornament. I placed the page with the definition of the word ornament second from the bottom right corner. Cut enough pages to cover the foam core board.
Step 4: Add a few drops of water into the cup and add some Helmar Acid Free glue till it is slightly thinner then normal. You don't want it runny, just thin enough to be easily spread with a brush. Spread it around the edges of each page and throughout the center. Glue page on to foam core into place. Let dry.
Step 5: You may see some silver distressing in this photo. ( I would not recommend it before the crackle step. It lost most of the shimmer once the brush went over it.) Cover the entire surface with Helmar Crackle Medium Step 1 once dry apply Step 2.
Step 6: Before step 2 of Helmar's Crackle Medium is dry you need to take time to take a pinch of glitter and sprinkle it over the surface of the book pages. Once dry brush gently with a glitter brush to get excess off.
Step 7: Cut out your letters on the cricut or other diecut system. This gives the Crackle time to dry.
Step 8: Distress the surface with the silver ink pad. I even took my Crafter's Workshop template and sponged the silver ink over it to create a few damask patterns in the corners. Here is a close up of the crackle and the silver ink damask pattern…
Step 9: Once your ink is dry and your letters are done apply them to the foam core with Helmar 450 Quick Dry. I used a quilting ruler to help guide my letters. I started from the bottom up and had a spacing of 1.5" between.
Step 10: insert the foam core into the frame and secure from the back.
That's it. You're done and you have a classic holiday art piece to display in your home.
Oh one more thing… for fun I added a damask type frame around the definition of Ornament on the actual book page. Here is a close up of that.
Once more let's take a look at the final product. I would love to see what you all come up with. Please remember if you are inspired by any of the posts here on the Helmar Blog you can feel free to share them on the Helmar Facebook page.
Have a Happy Helmar Holiday!
Helmar Design Team Member
