Découpaged Photo Frame

Euro store, dollar store, thrift store, pound store, bric-a-brac or whatever name you use for them in your own country, these stores very often have a wealth of useful nick nacks for the craft addict.  I have found many great items in my own local stores over the years that I would have paid at least three times the price for in a regular shop. One of my most recent visits presented me with some cute little picture frames, made simply from wood with a heart shaped opening.  I thought these frames were a total bargain at €1.49 each and so I stocked up - as you do...

I eventually got around to decorating the frame as gift for a friend.  Some paint, découpage and a little embellishment and I had a lovely frame that would look good in any room.  I chose to keep it fairly neutral using grey napkin for the découpage and some pearls, stuck over a cream background and topped off with a tiny handmade bow as you can see in the above pictures.

The picture below is how it looked before my makeover:

So glad you stopped by to read my blog.

Bye for now

Mother's Day Gift Idea

My last post promised more gift ideas for Mother's Day and with only a week to go, I said I'd better start posting.  I seem to be keeping things very simple this year and the heart below is just that.

I painted it in a grey colour called cement and added some nice words that I found online.  I used the pencil trick to transfer the writing.  Print your words the way you want them to appear on the heart, then, on the back of the page colour over the entire area behind your words using a HB pencil, place it in the position you want it on the heart (face up so you can see the words), secure it with some tape and carefully go over each letter using a pen or pencil.  When you lift the paper the outline will be imprinted on your heart.

Now all you have to do is go over it to darken it up using a marker or whatever you wish.  I used a black pencil and then I sealed it with some gloss varnish.  I added a bird motif which I glued on and some dashes around the edges to enhance it a little.  String for hanging it and it's done.  You could also use ribbon if you want a more fancy heart and you could add a rose instead of a bird or some découpage.

Thanks for following my posts, drop by again soon to see my final Mother's day gift idea and remember, if you have any questions you can contact me by email using the form on the right hand side of this page.  Bye for now...

Salle de Bain Plaquette

I'm addicted to making these bathroom plquettes - they are so cute.  This one's a simple design but effective.  For the bath I used a very old print that was one of many that I came across in my collection from almost 20 years ago when I first moved into my house and was crazy into home decor, découpage, furniture renovating and stencilling .....actually.....just like I am now!!

The bath cut-out was perfect for this little job, I just added some paint and a little sparkle to it. I dry-brushed a distressed effect border to the plaquette edges, added some typography that I transferred using a HB pencil.  A few coats of sealant, dark finishing wax and some pink ribbon finished this off nicely while it waits to be hung in someone's bathroom.

Le Bain Vintage Style Plaquette

A Shabby distressed look for the bathroom, this Plaquette was made using découpage techniques and some hand-painting and stencilling.  Some colour washing and a little dark wax gave it the 'old' look that it has.  I'll be sorry to see this one go...

Painted Bird Plaquette

I have definitely found my niche and my day job is getting in the way..........what to do?  A lotto win would remedy the situation but until then I will have to battle on with my blogging and creative work on a part-time basis i.e. nights and weekends!!

That said, I have a few new Plaquettes on the go and this here is the first of the batch.  It's great thinking up new ideas and designs, experimenting with colour and different textures and finishes and I am very happy with the results as my pictures are looking good.

This lovely plaquette is base coated with a dark grey chalk paint (my own mix) - I used 3 coats to get a more solid colour.  I then taped up a bouquet stencil with decorators tape just leaving out the sections I wanted to use on the piece and I taped it lightly to the dry painted wood.  I couldn't find a bird stencil that I liked anywhere so I made one. I found a bird outline on the internet, printed it out, traced it onto card and used a craft knife to cut it out.  Really handy as I can keep it for other jobs!

Be careful when painting over the stencils not to use too much paint.  I prefer to use a stencil brush but you can use a sponge if you prefer.  It's best if the brush is almost dry so blot it on some paper before applying it. Remember, you can always add more paint but you can't take it away.  I used a rhinestone for the bird's eye which I glued on.  I sealed it up with about 6 coats of sealant and then waxed it for the final coat.  I used some shiny silver ribbon for hanging it, which I found in my supply and which I thinks adds to the piece.

These make great presents for any occasion.

Plaquettes

I have been a busy bee for the last few weeks designing my lovely new vintage style Plaquettes. These beauties are mini wall plaques with a difference.  They are all handmade, unique and unusual and there are no two identical.  They are made using beautiful colours and designs combining découpage and various artistic techniques. They would make an impact in any room and would be great gifts for any occasion (don't forget mother's day on 15th March!).  The framed ones include a peg which allows the attachment of a photo of your choice if you wish but they are equally as nice just as they are.  There is no end to the colour and design choices that are possible in this range. Measurements approx. 20cm x 30cm in most cases.

Here are the first few and you will be delighted to hear that they are even nicer in reality than they appear in the pics below. Click on each photo to make bigger.

Pink Floral Plaquette (with photo holder peg) €25

Blue-Green Plaquette with photo attached 

Blue-Green Plaquette Pink Frame (with photo holder peg) €25

Grey Victorania Plaquette €20

Le Bain Plaquette €25

Dusty Roses Plaquette (with photo attachment peg) €25

Home Plaquette €15

Vintage Birdcage Plaquette €25

Vintage Birds Plaquette (with photo holder peg) €25

Pale Pink Vintage Plaquette

My plaquettes can be made to order. A specific colour scheme/theme can be requested and the lead time on this is 7 - 10 days. They are also for sale here on the blog and over on my Funky-Junk Facebook page.  If you see something you like, just fill in the form on the right hand side of this page or go to the Contact Tab at the top of the page and click on the link to email me.  Don't forget to include your email details so that I can reply to you. National and International shipping is available, contact me for prices.

Love them!!!