DIY Network

Speed Racer Fun, unique projects for those car-loving crafters From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-104L

(Continued from page 3)

Hubcap Folk-Art Candelabra

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza turn a greasy old hubcap into a folk-art chandelier that shines with automotive flair.

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Hubcap Folk-Art Candelabra

Materials:

old metal hubcap
spray metal primer
masking tape
acrylic paints in various colors
cream acrylic paint
water
paintbrushes
pencil
spray gloss polyurethane
fishing line
beads in all different sizes
pliers
heavy-duty chain
candle
glass candle plate
glass epoxy
lightweight sandpaper

1. Thoroughly clean the hubcap and allow to dry before you begin painting. You want to have a clean surface for the primer to stick. Use masking tape to tape off any areas that you don't want to paint (figure A). Spray-paint the hubcap with the metal primer and allow to dry.

2. Using a medium-size paintbrush and various paint colors, paint a base coat onto the hubcap. Allow to dry. Using a paintbrush and a pencil and various paint colors, paint additional details like polka dots, stripes, etc. (figure B). Use the eraser end of the pencil to paint easy polka dots (figure C), layering the colors for added dimension. Allow the paints to dry. Remember, you don't have to be perfect with the painting: this is meant to look like folk art.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

3. Lightly sand to add texture and character and apply a milk wash. To make the milk wash, add a small amount of water to cream paint (figure D) and mix together. Using quick strokes, paint the wash over the painted areas (figure E). Spray clear gloss polyurethane over the entire hubcap.

4. Making the drops: Cut the fishing line into a 24" length. Tie a small bead in the center of the fishing line. This will serve as the anchor for each drop and will create two ends of fishing line. String additional beads on both ends of the fishing line until you have reached approximately 6" of strung beads. Repeat this step for as many drops as you want to make. You can add charms, crystals, shells, etc. Tie the strands on to the underside of the hubcap (figure F). Clip off any extra fishing line.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

5. Using glass epoxy, attach the glass candle plate in the center of the hubcap and allow to dry.

6. Measure from the ceiling the desired hanging length. Cut three sections of the heavy-duty chain the length of the measurement. Using pliers, attach the chain to the hubcap at equal distances from each other so that the hubcap is balanced. Hang from ceiling; place candle in center and light.

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RESOURCES :

Aleen's Original Tacky Glue (Duncan Enterprises)
Website: www.duncancrafts.com