YOU'VE BEEN FRAMED - Tutorial

Welcome if this is your first time of visiting my page, and if not welcome anyway! 

This month I decided to use set of MDF frames for my THAT CRAFT PLACE DT project. They come in packs of two:

 

And I also decided to experiment using a bag of MDF offcut pieces.  I used them on this project too, and these are some of the pieces that were left over. There's nothing more I like than using up bits!    

First I glued the shapes onto the frame using PVA, making sure that I kept the design flat at the bottom so that it would stand. 

If you plan to hang your frame this would not be a consideration. 

 

Next I covered the frame with PVA glue and a thick layer of thick embossing powder.

 

 

After gently shaking off the excess I used a heat gun to melt the powder, being careful to get into all the awkward corners.  After I checked for gaps, reapplied glue and repeated the process. 

As this was a contemporary design I wanted an image that would compliment the frame.  I decided this stain glass window, taken in Liverpool Cathedral, would be perfect. 

 

I attached the photo to the frame using double sided sticky tape and used the same method to attach the back.  I simply slotted the stand into the back and here it is!  I thought about adding acrylic wax to give more definition but for now I have decided the frame looks busy and may be better left as it is.  I often like to live with projects I make and come back to them later....  Do you do this too?

 

 

 

The second frame is quite different, but uses the same technique.

 

This time I used scrunched up tissue paper and glued it onto the top and sides of the frame using PVA. 

 

Once it was thoroughly dry I gave it another coat of PVA glue and a generous layer of thick embossing powder, making sure it reached into all the crevices.  I learnt through my first example that it is easier to emboss one half at a time, as this makes it easier to hold while you apply the heat gun.

I assembled the frame in the same way and this time chose a vintage style.  I love how the frames offer such variety and contrast and I have ideas for others brimming!!

But for now here is a list of products used, all of which are available from THAT CRAFT PLACE. 

 

PRODUCTS USED:

MDF frames from TCP

MDF offcut pieces

Tissue paper

PVA glue

Thick embossing powder

Double sided sticky tape

 

Do check out the range of MDF, it is superior to others I have used and if you see Creative Expressions selling these products chances are they have been made by Lisa!  

Thanks for popping by and do visit the TCP facebook page for more creative ideas.

5 in 5 - June 2015 - A CHEST OF PAPER TREASURE

Welcome to '5 in 5' where on the 5th of

each month I post 5 photos that I have

taken in 5 minutes. 

 
Yesterday I wondered what photos to take for this months 5 in 5.
The garden is looking good and I had other ideas in mind but I decided to trust that the day would bring something special. 

And it did! 

Because when I visited a friend she showed me an old chest she has just been given.  Inside it was packed full of old newspapers.... decades old and fragile. 

And between these were vintage patterns and the most beautiful ledger with marbled paper cover and  exquisite handwriting.  We guessed the newspapers had been saved to make dress making patterns because there was a collar shape piece and other clues.
 
My heart was all a flutter!! 

Now, some people would look at this pile of paper and just burn it or put it in the skip unable to understand that to others this is pure treasure.

And I am ecstatic that this chest was rescued from this possible fate, and to know my friend Pauline will make good use of it and love it as much as the original owner.  This chest and its contents deserve that because you can tell by the carefully cut pattern pieces and notes in the ledger that this was work of love. 

I love all things haberdashery, it reminds me of my grandmother who was a dress maker and the hours we would spend together quietly sewing and chatting.  I am immediately transported back in time, and so it is with this chest.  

Inside there are envelopes addressed to Miss G. Harrison, living in London and dated 1933. 

I wonder what G stands for..... Gertrude? Grace?  I may never know.  There are ways of finding out if I really want to put the pieces together but for now I will just enjoy the patterns that Pauline gave me.  And I hope Miss Harrison would be happy to know that her work continues to give pleasure and be appreciated. I have ideas how I might use these patterns and I may be back one day to show you....

Meantime if you would like to join in this monthly photo challenge please link in below so I can come and see your photos. Here's the plan:

 

  1.  Choose a location.

2.  Have your camera ready.

3.  Set a timer for 5 minutes (I use my mobile phone).

4.  Take as many photos you can until the time is up.

5.  Choose 5 photos to download and share by using the link tool below. 

   Please note: 

You can take  your photos any time, they do not have to be taken on 5th!
And you have until the 25th of the month to add your photos to the link.

 

There are more details here. 

Thank you for popping by, your company and comments are always appreciated and special thanks to Maggie, Joy, Eileen, Helena and Melanie who took part last month.