Summertime Shrine

MY STORY

     A friend of mine recently checked off a big bucket list item -- a home near the ocean.  In addition to hoping for many invitations, I wanted to create a unique home decor item for her housewarming.  Being non-traditional in nature, my goal was to make something personal, maybe a little quirky and not your usual navy/maritime seaside motif.  With the help of products from Relics and Artifacts, I love the way this frame came out.

YOUR TURN

     Supplies used in this example:

• Shadowbox frame with mat
  
• Photo / photo editing software.  I used Picasa
• Ver Day Paints from 10 Seconds Studio Ten Seconds Studio website
  
• Helios 11 and Coquille matte resin craft blanks Relics & Artifacts Shop
• Acrylic paint
• Liquitex Medium
• E6000 adhesive
• Charm embellishments San Miguel Collection Website

     My friend loves seashells and I love to photograph them.  Using Picasa, I used various filters to change the look of the original jpeg to make it more unusual.  I practiced with a bunch of different photos until I landed on the one I  wanted to use.

     For the mat, I decided to create an "iron" look.  Using VerDay Paints from Ten Seconds Studio did the trick!  Paint a base of the iron paint, let dry completely.  Add a second coat on the areas you want to add the patina to.  While still wet, spray the patina finish and watch it do its magic.

   

 I have a shell from a family trip that I have always loved so I tried to emulate the coloring when painting the matte resin blanks.  Use a light hand as it is always easier to add more color.  To get a soft look, when still wet, wipe down your piece with a paper towel and keep adding color until desired.

    For the sun, I didn't want a typical color so for this piece I used the VerDay paints in copper, follow the same instructions as above.  

    Add embellishments as desired to the shells and the sun using a strong adhesive.  I decided to remove the glass from the shadowbox to create a 3D look.

 

    Enjoy experimenting with new paints, finishes and tools -- you will never know what beauty you can create.

    

Washi Tape Coasters

MY STORY

     I am happy to see that the Washi Tape trend is far from over.  I love this product -- it comes in a large array of colors, patterns and widths.  It is easy to use -- to cut and apply and it sticks on almost anything.

    I had a bunch of photo coasters left over and thought that Washi Tape would be a quick and fun way to decorate them.  I have used these photo coasters on other projects so I thought they were perfect to use for this, even if the photo part is covered up.

     You can also use plain white tiles from the home store which you can get at really low prices.  This is a nice housewarming or hostess gift and you can even use these finished tiles as home decor items. 

YOUR TURN

   Choose the Washi Tape colors/patterns  you want to use.  I recommend using three different colors, in at least two different widths.  I tested a few different layouts and for me this looked the best.  And now I am currently obsessed with Tiffany Blue and Gold.  But this project can be adapted to any holiday or event, simply by choosing different tapes.  These are all readily available online and at craft stores and the rolls go a long way.  (HINT:  I tried using duct tape but the washi tape works much better.)

   Simply lay out patterns and play with what looks best to you.  The tape sticks well, but is easy to remove if you want to change your design.  Lay out and I like leaving tails off the edges as it is easier to trim that way.  When you are ready to trim, lay the coaster upside down as it is easier to trim that way. Smooth out any bumps you may have on the tape.

   Once you have applied the tape, use Mod Podge as a sealant.  Mod Podge comes in different finishes.  I choose the Antique Matte finish for this product, but any finish would be fine.

   Apply a thin coat with a foam brush.  Let dry.  Apply two more coats, making sure each coat dries before applying the next layer.  The Mod Podge dries clear, so don't worry if it looks cloudy at first.

   The photo coasters also came with a stand which I added tape to for a quick hostess or housewarming gift.

   And that's it....it is so easy and it becomes addictive after a while.  You will be using Washi Tape on everything!