Only Craft – Craft Blog and Store

October 19, 2009

Paper Crafts

Filed under: Paper Crafts — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 11:51 pm

Papier mâché is another beautiful paper craft. You can make beautiful plates, bowls or containers for gifts or decoration with a little creativity, some old newspapers and a dash of patience.

You Will Need

  • A mould – a bowl, container or plate of your choice
  • Cling wrap
  • Vaseline
  • Wallpaper paste
  • Newspaper
  • Scissors
  • Glue brush
  • Craft knife
  • Paint and brushes (poster or acrylic)
  • White emulsion
  • Clear Varnish Spray

What To Do

  1. Choose your mould and give it a coat of vaseline then line it with cling wrap. Fold the wrap over the rim of your container or bowl, it will be easier to lift out your mould when ready. Make up your wallpaper paste and prepare your newspaper by tearing it into small squares.
  2. Cover the plastic film with paste and then apply a layer of pasted newspaper. Make sure you overlap the edges of each piece of newspaper as you paste. Paste five layers of paper and then leave to dry overnight in a warm location. Repeat each day until you have the thickness you want. Make your last layer as smooth as possible.
  3. Your papier  mâché will need to dry for several days in a warm place before you remove it from the mould. It has to be completely dry or it will not hold its shape. Carefully use the cling wrap to lift your new bowl or container out of the mould then remove the wrap.
  4. You may need to use some scissors or the craft knife to trim or tidy the edge so that it is even. Be careful here it is easy to take off to much. When you are happy with the edge paste one layer of pasted newspaper pieces over it so it is really smooth. Allow to dry throughly for a day or longer if necessary.
  5. Paint two coats of white emulsion on both sides of your new bowl or plate, this creates a smooth surface and also hides the newsprint. Paint your background colour, give it at least one coat and allow it to thoroughly dry before creating your design.
  6. Plan, draw and then paint your design onto your bowl or plate. if you don’t feel confident with this part of the process use a cutout design from gift wrap or a magazine.  Coat the design in wall paper paste and stick in place. Leave to dry.
  7. When everything has dried thoroughly spray with clear varnish, to protect it, giving it two coats for a glossy finish. You should now be very happy with your completed papier mâché creation.

Well Done :)

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 14, 2009

Découpage

Filed under: Craft Ideas — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 5:59 am

Découpage is the art of turning everyday items into decorative pieces that add a touch of romance to the decor.

Following is a list of general items and instructions that are required to complete most projects.

General Materials List

  • Item to be decorated
  • Clear Sealer
  • Sanding pads – Coarse, medium and fine
  • Tack cloth
  • Fine point curved cuticle scissors
  • 5cm and 10cm hard rubber rollers
  • Craft sponge brushes
  • Sea sponge – large and fine
  • PVA, Clag
  • Chux cloths
  • Water based varnish
  • Oil based varnish
  • Brushes for varnish – good quality ones are best for this
  • Blu-Tack
  • Greaseproof paper
  • oil based coloured pencils
  • pencil and ruler
  • Acrylic paints
  • Cracking medium
  • Gesso
  • Micro-mesh kit

General Instructions

  1. Seal the surface of item to be decorated with all-purpose sealer, paint or gesso.
  2. Sand gently with coarse sanding pad. Clean with a damp cloth then wipe over with a tack cloth to remove dust.
  3. Paint the background in desired colour and allow to dry. Sand and apply another coat of paint.
  4. Seal painted surface with all purpose sealer.
  5. Seal découpage paper, front and back, with sealer.
  6. Use sharp manicure scissors to cut out motifs. Arrange images as desired for your project. Use blu-tack while deciding your design.
  7. Mix clag and PVA, 4:1 and apply generously to images and surface of item. Place your images on the item and apply more glue. Smooth the surface of image and remove air bubbles and expelling excess glue. Apply roller gently to the surface to ensure it is smooth and free of bubbles. Wipe carefully with a damp cloth, so as not to move the image.
  8. Using a weak vinegar and water solotion wipe over the surface to ensure all glue is removed. This prevents mould forming after the item has been varnished. Let dry. Any patches can be coloured with oil pencil.
  9. Use sponge brush to apply two coats of sealer. Let dry.
  10. Working in a ventilated dust free area apply acrylic or polyurethane varnish to protect your finished work. Apply smoothly and carefully work in even strokes from end to end without lifting brush from surface. Allow to dry following manufacturers instructions. Repeat about 30 times, at right angles to each  previous coat. Sand in between each coat also at right angles to previous sanding, using the course, medium than fine sanding pads. Wipe with tack cloth before reapplying each coat until you reach your desired finish.
  11. Polish with Micro-mesh or beeswax.

August 28, 2009

Paint

Filed under: Paint and Painting — Tags: , , , , , — @ 5:50 am

Oil -based paints These are tough and glossy that can be used neat or diluted with solvent. Once upon a time they were made with linseed but now oils come made with a synthetic resin called alkyd. They are slow drying and can emit fumes.

Water-based paints These are waterproof and quite durable they dry quickly, are easy to apply and wash up in water. They come in a wide range of colours.

Varnish A transparent, protective coating which comes in gloss, semi-gloss and matt finishes. Clear varnishes can have colour added or coloured varnishes can be bought ready mixed.

Primer & Undercoat Surfaces sometimes need a prepatory coating of primer and undercoat before being painted. Primers seal a porous surface, and should be used if you are painting plaster or wood. Undercoat is painted over primer and should be applied if changing the colour of a previous coating. It contains more pigment than a top coat and dries to a semi-matt finish that gives depth of colour to a final coat.

Have Fun :)

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