Decorate To Celebrate Challenge Mom's Day....Mosaic Frame

MY STORY

     One of the most exciting and terrifying parts of being a Mom is watching your children grow up.  It seems like only yesterday my son was starting kindergarten and now he is a Lance Corporal with the US Marine Corps stationed overseas.

     On one of my "I better clean up this house" days, I found the boots he wore during his 3 months at Boot Camp as well as little tiny boots he wore as a baby.  Boots....Boot Camp....photo op!  I took this photo as I think  it is a very graphic reminder of how time has flown by.

     I wanted to create a special frame for this so here are my steps in making a mosaic frame for, OK I admit it, myself as well as all the Grandmas, Aunts, Sisters....all the wonderful women in my life that have helped and guided me in this journey.

YOUR TURN

     Here is what you need to get started.  HINT:  The paper packs in the craft stores take a lot of the guesswork out of coordinating your papers.  I was going for a shabby chic look for my frame.

     1.  Paint your frame in a color that is complementary with your papers.  I only used one coat but you can add as many as you want to get the depth of color you desire.  HINT:  Don't forget to paint the sides and inside the photo part of your frame.  I keep the paper insert in place so I can be sloppy with my paint  on the inside of the frame.

     2.  Using the decorative punch, start punching out your papers.  NOTE:  I tend to like odd numbers of papers as opposed to even.  No particular reason why I just think it adds more interest.  HINT:  Don't throw  away the paper once you have punched it out.  The papers with the squares cut out can be used for future projects.

Paper left over for another crafty idea!

    3.  Decide on the pattern of colors and stick with it.  I went blue,pink, black and maintained that throughout the frame.  HINT:  To start off evenly, I placed the straight edge of the paper to use as a ruler.

    4.  Continue gluing your squares down.  Let the edges go past the edge of the frame.   It shows more interest when completed.  But don't cut them off yet.

Notice the squares are coming off the sides and bottom

    5.  Optional step:  Cover your frame with a couple  of coats of Mod Podge.  You don't have to, but it is a further sealant to keep your papers on the frame and adds some sheen to your finished piece.  For this example, I used the Antique Matte finish in keeping with my shabby chic idea.  But it comes in so many finishes, it is totally up to you.  HINT:  When you apply it, you will think "oh no, I have ruined it".  Not to worry, they all dry clear.

   6.  When the Mod Podge has dried trim off the edges.  Add pearl stickers or any other embellishments.  The mosaic looks great whether you choose to use the frame in a  horizontal or vertical format.

     This concept is so fun and easy to do, you will get hooked.  And think of all the beautiful papers out there -- holiday, baby, sophisticated.  You can create so many looks just by changing up the color of your paint and papers.

Enjoy and happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful women out there.  As they say, it takes a village to raise a child.