A {Craft} Quickie

Have I ever mentioned I have no attention span and,
until I figure out how to survive on no sleep at all, no time...

A few weeks ago I cam across this fantastic

and quick project at Craft Chic Mommy.

Then I saw it a few days ago at Katie's Nesting Spot.

They each have slightly different finishing methods,

so go check them out!

Really, I just thought this was so cute I wanted

to make some for my self, but since then,

they have turned into Christmas presents and hostess gifts,

and now I must trek back to the craft store
to buy more frames for me.
The lan is to do a set of 9 and hang them on the wall
with photos from our Europe trip 
(just to prove there was life before kids!).

Really, it took about one day to complete everything

because of dry times, but this could not be

simpler for such amazing results.

Supplies

-Wooden picture frames ($1.00 at Michaels)

-Light sand paper

-Modge Podge

-Foam brush

-Scrapbook Paper

-Exacto Knife or other cutting tool

-Paint, stain, or stamp/ink pad

(depends on the finishing method yous prefer)

-Optional: adornments: rhinestones, flowers, tags, etc.

For more complete tutorials go visit the links above.

Here is my condensed version...this is how I made mine...

1. Coat the front of the frame with an even coat of Modge Podge. Let it dry a little and then add a second coat.* (see NOTES for an optional first step)

2. Place frame face down onto the scrapbook paper.

3. Flip it over, and remove any bubbles by sweeping a credit card(or like object) over the surface.

4. Let the frame/paper set (or dry completely). Then, turn over and trim paper. I left my paper face down and cut around the frame and frame opening with an Exacto knife. No worries if the edges are not perfect...

5. Sand the edges of the frame and frame opening to smooth out the edges.

6. At this point you may have some white areas on the paper. I used my ink pad to fill in these edges and color the edges of the frame. I just dipped a paper towel in the ink, and dabbed around the perimeter of the frame and frame opening, and the edges. I wanted a more vintage feel, so I was happy to let the ink "bleed" out onto the corners and on some I even smudged it on purpose.

7. When the ink is dry, coat front of frame with 2 more layers of Modge Podge, letting the coats dry slightly in between applications.

NOTES:

1. Depending on your desired effect, you can paint or stain the frame first (before applying the paper to the front) and let it dry. Then use the paint or stain for touch up in Step 6.

Happy Crafting!
Cheers!
Holly