Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Busy little crafter

Wow, it has been awhile since my last post but I have been one busy little crafter. I have taken a Precious Metal Clay Class and a Woodworking Class since my last post . I enrolled in another session of the woodworking class so I am in round two. I am making a toy chest for my oldest son. I will post pix once it is complete. I am almost done and then will work on some other fun smaller projects! I have a big show coming up in May so I need to create more unique items to sell.

The Precious Metal Clay class was amazing. I LOVED it. I made two silver necklace pendants, a ring and a pair of earrings. I will do a post on this topic so you can see all of my finished pieces. It was so fun and rewarding. I have received a lot of compliments when I wear them.

Stay tuned for more on both topics...

I also officially launched my Do It Yourself Workshops. I kicked it off with my Mom's Club and we all created adorable Decoupage purses. They came out great and the class was fun for all of us. I posted the Decoupage Purse as this month's project for you to create. The style opportunities are endless. Have fun with it! I am working on two more purses, so I will add photos of them once they are complete. Be sure to check out my other post with this fabulous project.

Happy Crafting,
Madame Craftsalot

Decoupage cigar style purse project


Art You Can Handle - Decoupage Purse Project


What is decoupage? The art of decoupage is the reformatting of paper by cutting and pasting it onto something else.

Materials:
Purse (unfinished cigar style available at craft stores in a variety of shapes and sizes), paper, glue (I use Mod Podge), acrylic paint, sealer, paper towel, Styrofoam plate, foam brushes, bowl of water, something to help smooth out paper (brayer or bone folder)

Instructions:
Select purse style

Select paper (wallpaper, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, magazine clippings all work well. Ink jet prints do NOT work well, they will bleed unless you seal them first)

Trace purse pattern on the backside of the paper

Paint the inside of the purse and edges in a color that coordinates with your paper. This is so you don't have to worry if you paper edges match up perfectly. If they don't, the paint will help camouflage it.

While paint dries, cut out the purse pattern on the paper

Put white glue on Styrofoam plate and dilute with a little water (I use a spray bottle and do 2-3 squirts)

Use foam brush to spread white glue onto the purse, one section at a time. Place paper on top of glue. Smooth paper working from the center out. Wipe off any access glue that comes out the sides.

Be sure to get 100% coverage, especially on edges. Don’t worry if the glue gets on the front of the paper because we will be sealing it with the glue later.

Smooth out all air bubbles with your hand, bone folder or brayer.

Once you have completed decoupaging all sides of the purse, seal the entire paper surface with the same glue mixture. Let dry.

You can either seal again with the glue or use a clear polyurethane sealer to protect your purse from everyday wear and tear. I use Mod Podge glue and they suggest up to 5 or 6 coats.

Show off your new piece of art to all your friends

Project instruction by Marybeth Barrett.
Email: mb@madamecraftsalot.com Phone: 336.406.7072

Do It Yourself Classes Available in the Winston Salem, NC Area
Time Out Mat or Chair
Hand-Painted floor canvas
Decorative serving tray
Hand-Painted coasters
Decorative Memo Board
Hand-Painted placemats
Faux Finish Wall Art
Hand-Painted Growth Charts
Decoupage (purse, boxes, etc.)
Polymer Clay (Coming soon)
Whimsical Stationery, gift tags & more
Hand-made wrapping paper
Holiday Decorations
Photo Gifts
Contact us for more info. on attending or hosting a class.

Host a do it yourself themed Girls Night out or a fun bridal or baby shower !

Happy Crafting,

Madame Craftsalot