Craft with Crate - Charlene Cundy

Hello! I'm so happy to be here today, posting my 1st tutorial for Crate Paper! I was so excited to put my hands on the new collections. The papers are really incredible, and it's so easy to work with them!! I thought a frame would be a great tutorial. They are really inexpensive and make a wonderful addition for all your loved ones photo's, and my friends and family love getting them as a gift because they are handmade and personalized. I don't know if you're like me, but I have frames all over my house. I'm definitely a frame collector!

 

Here's the supplies you'll need (and a nail file, not shown). The frame is from Michael's, and the cost? $1.49 :) The gesso is available at Michael's as well, though can be found at any craft/art supply store. I'll share more about it at the end of the tutorial.

 

Pour out some Gesso, about the size of three quarters.

 

Then add your choice of color to the gesso. I used Americana Warm White, which I bought at Michael's as well. You could easily add any color to the mix. The proportions are two parts Gesso, and one part paint. 

 

Using a small spatula or something similar, mix the two together, making sure to mix completely.

 

Start painting the frame. Back from my old days of tole painting, I learned that you always paint towards the edges first. That way, you have a clean edge and it doesn't leave ridges in your paint or puddle up. I painted two even coats. The reason for using gesso is because it serves as a sealant and with the color added, it saves you an additional step.

 

After the frame has dried, set the frame on top your chosen patterned paper and lightly trace around both the inside and outside of the frame using a pencil. Trim the traced area from the paper and adhere it to the front of the frame with an even coat of wet adhesive (decoupage glue such as Modge Podge is a favorable option).

Don't overuse the adhesive, just enough to get a nice, even coverage. Also, ensure the edges are sealed down well. Make sure to really rub your hands across the paper, or use the flat edge of a credit card, to push out any air bubbles or areas that aren't adhered well. 

 

Then, take a nail file and sand down the edges. I prefer a nice, clean edge. Remember to sand towards the edge of the paper, and not the opposite direction.

 

Next, figure out how you'd like to decorate the frame. I chose to use Pretty Party's Borders & Phrase Stickers from the alpha sheet, and the patterned papers Invitation (top) and Planner (bottom).

 

Go ahead and add the green patterned paper to the bottom of the frame just as I have. Don't forget to sand the edges again as well.

 

Next, I chose to "Fussy Cut" some roses from the patterned paper, Invitation. I adore the colors of Pretty Party!

 

I decided the frame needed a banner, as they are a great addition to any project! See the little windows in the banner? I cut them with a Spellbinders Postage Die. Then, I backed the openings with patterned paper. 

 

Another fussy cut rose, but on top a white, die-cut doily.

There you have it! A great gift in a few short steps! I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial and will consider giving it a try! 

A quick note about Gesso: 

Gesso is a primer. Artists sometimes apply it to a surface before painting on it. In fact, gesso looks a lot like paint. you can mix it with any color to make sealing a one step process! Originally, gesso only was available in white. Artists put it on canvas, wood, or other surface types before creating a painting with oil paint or acrylics. Gesso makes the surface a little stiffer. It prevents paint from soaking into the support (canvas, paper, wood, etc), and it gives the surface a little more texture, or tooth, so that the paint sticks better. Today, gesso comes in many colors. White is still the most popular, but black and other colors are widely used for art journaling and other kinds of art.

 

Comments

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

This is GORGEOUS!!! I loveeeeeee how you added the Gesso...and loving that photo and the banner!!

[inventory clerks london]

That frame just looks awesome besides I never thought that this could be done so easy. I just love the final result.

[Mandy Szeto]

i like decorating frames too, nice frame cindy.

[conniemelancon]

Cindy this came out so pretty! Thanks for the tutorial.

[Pendra]

This is amazing... love the fussy cutting and that cute banner! Thanks for sharing the How to's!
Crafty Hugs,
Pendra

[Anabelle O'Malley]

So adorable, Char!! I love the banner and the roses.

[Mar]

Gorgeous Frame, a great tutorial!!!

[Libby]

Thx for the tutorial and the notes about gesso. The frame is so lovely and now I can make one as a gift.

[montbleu.eu]

No doubt about it, a touch of decoration allows each one to personify, in fact every single thing, since decoration can be on every item even on a nail file.

[zapatillas air max]

That frame just looks awesome besides I never thought that this could be done so easy. I just love the final result.The information you provided in the site is pretty beneficial to me, Iam quite sure I learn a lot from your passage,it is helpful and constructive,I will bookmark your blog and and check again here regularly, thanks a lot, I hope you will offer more valuable stuff for us, I couldn't wait to learn it.

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