Only Craft – Craft Blog and Store

October 26, 2009

More Picture Frame Styles

Filed under: Hand made gifts — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 8:08 pm

This style uses plaster of Paris again but in a slightly different way to making plaster moulds and sticking them onto the frame but I’m sure you will enjoy this one just as much and be very happy with the results..

For this style you will need:-

  • Flat picture frame (min width 7.5cm)
  • Stiff cardboard and tape
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Playdough
  • Biscuit cutter shapes
  • Paint and brush

What to Do:-

Cut four strips of cardboard to form a box around the outside of your picture frame. The sides will need to come above the frame by a few centimetres. Do the same on the inside of your picture frame. Make sure the corners of the boxed area are secure with tape to prevent leakage of the plaster.

Use the biscuit shape of your choice and the playdough to make some shapes and place them, as you like, around the frame. Each shape should be of even thickness about 1cm, press them gently and evenly into place.

Mix 300ml of plaster with 150ml of water to a creamy consistency. Pour into the cardboard box surrounding your frame to a level just below your shapes. Leave overnight to set.

When the plaster has thoroughly dried you are ready to decorate. Remove the frame and shapes and paint your chosen colours. If you’re not sure about colour choice think about where the frame will be located, can you blend it with colours in that location? Or, what are the shapes you have used for example, hearts – red and gold, shells – yellow and pale blue or stars – silver and dark blue.

Maybe you can make a few frames, package them up unpainted and give as gifts with some paint and brushes, Christmas is just around the corner.

Have a good time and enjoy your creativity.

October 25, 2009

Make your own Picture Frame

Filed under: Hand made gifts,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 5:00 pm

A decorative picture frame on a wall or side table can turn a simple photo into a work of art. They can make a wonderful personalised gift or add some unique character to an otherwise ordinary room.

You will need to find or make a frame with a flat surface, any size is ok but a square frame with the outside measuring double the length of the window is a good method to use.

If you decide to make a frame, balsa wood works well, just cut to size and glue, using impact adhesive, at square angles.

Decorating your Frame

Using moulds that will fit on your frame and some plaster of paris your frame is only limited by the moulds you choose to use. Chocolate moulds are a good source for this design. There are a wide variety  of shapes available shells, dinosaurs, teddies, hearts and the list goes on. Once you have decided on and made your moulds you can paint them to suit your theme.

What to Do :-

  • Follow the directions for mixing the plaster to a creamy consistency.
  • Pour into moulds and leave to set for one hour.
  • Turn out the moulds and leave to dry completely.
  • Sand off any rough edges.
  • You can paint the frame and each mould individually if needed or glue to frame and paint altogether.
  • Position moulds onto your frame and stick into place. Leave overnight.

A gilt edged frame is nice with the shells and bright colours for a funky frame.

If you start now you will have made some quick and easy but uniquly attractive and personalised gifts for Christmas.

Enjoy and keep smiling. :)

October 19, 2009

Découpage Plates

Filed under: Hand made gifts — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 3:13 am

Decorating plates using découpage is really easy and the effect is as good as any expensive designer plate. The great thing is when you do it yourself you can make very special personalised gifts and momentos. You can use photos, special messages or dates, write your own messages or poems for a really impressive look.

What You Need -

  • Wrapping paper, greeting cards or other suitable motif.
  • Sharp scissors
  • PVA Glue and Brush
  • Glass plates
  • Paint (Acrylic or Emulsion) and Brushes
  • Blu-tac
  • Extra fine pointed gold or other suitable colour marker pen (spirit-based).
  • Cotton wool buds
  • Small sponge
  • Clear Varnish and paint brush

What To Do -

  1. Cut out the motifs you will be using. It can look effective to put a larger image in the centre and smaller ones around the edge. Use blu-tac to keep your design in place until you are happy with the positions.
  2. At this point it is a good idea to put your personal message or photo on the plate.
  3. With your message and motifs worked out it is time to secure everything in place with glue. Using the PVA paste the right side of your motifs and place them on the underside of your glass plate. Smooth it out with your finger being careful to remove any air bubbles.
  4. Place any other decorations you are using in the same manner.
  5. When everything is in place and dry you are ready to paint. Clear off any excess glue with warm water and cotton wool bud. Sponge paint over the back of the plate several times allowing it to dry in between each sponging.
  6. To finish off, protect the paint with a couple of coats of clear varnish. Remember to allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Clean up the top surface and dry to a shine. this plate should not be submerged in water to clean just wipe with a damp cloth.
  7. To hang your plate add a peel and stick hanger to the back.

Take your time and plan your design carefully and you will not be disappointed.

Have Fun:)

October 17, 2009

Relax in the Tub

Filed under: Hand made gifts — Tags: , , , , , , , , — @ 4:32 am

Making your own

Moisturising Bath Salts

Ingredients

  • 200g or 1 cup sodium carbonate (available in health food stores or supermarkets.
  • 2 – 3 drops of lavender oil
  • 2 – 3 drops of sandalwood oil
  • 2 – 3 drops your choice of natural food colour
  • 2 drops of vitamin E oil
  • 2 drops of evening primrose oil

You need to mix all the ingredients together in a jar secure with lid and shake well. About one dessert spoon is plenty in the bath.

Use a decorative jar and add some ribbons to make a lovely gift.

Bubble Bath

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of pure soap -  flakes finely grated sunlight soap is fine.
  • 1 litre of boiling water
  • 50ml grape seed oil
  • 100ml rosewater

Mix soap flakes and boiling water in a bowl until flakes have dissolved.Pour grape seed oil and rosewater into a jar, secure lid and shake well.

Adding witch hazel a little at a time will thin the mixture down if needed. Pour into plastic bottles for children if desired.


September 4, 2009

Make your own Creams and Lotions

Filed under: Hand made gifts — Tags: , , , , — @ 3:02 pm

Making your own beauty treatments is easy and fun plus using natural ingredients is beneficial on your pocket as well as your skin. There are no preservatives so shelf life is short, keep in a cool place and don’t make large amounts unless you plan to give as gifts.

Avocado Body Cream

  • 10g beeswax
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 6 drops jasmine oil
  • 2 tablespoons rosewater
  • 1/4 teaspoon borax

Gently heat beeswax, avocado oil and jasmine oil in a double saucepan over simmering water. Stir until beeswax melts and mixture has a smooth consistency. Remove from heat. Blend rosewater and borax together, stir into beeswax mixture. Continue stirring till the mixture is cool then place into an airtight glass jar. This should give you about 1/4 cup of cream.

Honeysuckle Foot Balm

  • 1/3 cup lanolin
  • 3 tablespoons almond oil
  • 3 tablespoons glycerine
  • 1/4 teaspoon honeysuckle oil

Heat lanolin, almond oil, and glycerine in top of a double saucepan over simmering water, stir until combined and consistency is smooth. Add honeysuckle oil and remove from heat, stir continually until mixture has cooled . Pour into airtight glass jars and seal. Mixture makes about 1/2 cup.

Rose Petal Bath Oil

  • 1 cup fresh rose petals
  • 1 1/2 cups sunflower oil

Pack rose petals into a glass jar. Gently warm oil in a saucepan on very low heat. Pour the warm oil over petals and seal jar. Stand in a sunny spot for 2 weeks, shaking each day.

After 2 weeks re-warm the mixture on avery low heat, then strain through a fine strainer, muslin is best. Discard petals, pour oil into air tight glass bottle and seal. Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

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