DIY Network

Framing Documents as a Collage, Part 1 Decoupaging The Frame From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-105

When the contents of a frame have special meaning, sometimes it's nice to extend that meaning to the frame itself by customizing it with it's own special touch of significance. In this Get Framed project, expert framer Shahnaz LaCaze helps guest Lauren Gale create a family heirloom using precious letters written in Hebrew from Lauren's mom who passed away. Using archival framing materials, we will preserve these precious documents forever and add personal touches to the frame itself. Since Lauren is from Israel, we personalize her frame with a decoupage design using a map of Israel--highlighting Lauren's home town of Rishon Le Zion. And to give the picture an heirloom quality, we will 'antique' the map before applying it to the frame.

Before

Before

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After

Materials:

frame (an inexpensive one, as it will be covered in decoupage)
20-25 copies of map images on photo mat paper
2 tea bags
4oz hot water
sponge brush
mod podge (decoupage glue)
wet wipes
blow dryer

Figure A

Steps:

1. Antiquing the map.

Tip: Photocopy the map image onto mat photo paper because it takes the tea coloring better than other types of paper.

• Make the tea solution using two tea bags in 4oz of hot water. Once brewed to a rich, dark color, remove the tea bags and let the water cool (figure A).
  

• To apply the tea stain, use a small sponge brush (figure B). Apply only a light wash over the map--do not soak it (figure C). (If it gets too wet, the words will smear.) The light wash is enough to achieve the antique look, and will dry in about 15 minutes. You can speed the drying process with a blow dryer.

Figure B

Figure C

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

2. Tear the dry map into random strips for decoupaging (figure D). Keep the overall map layout in mind, however, as you tear and organize where your strips will fit onto the frame. For our project, we are keeping the ocean area of the map in the top corner. And we enlarged the area of Lauren's hometown so that it will stand out on its section of the frame.

3. Mod podge the frame (figures E and F). Apply the decoupage glue (mod podge) to the back of the map strips (one at a time) and wrap onto the frame. Once your strip is folded around the frame, coat the mod podge on top of the map strips to seal them.

Note: The glue appears white but dries clear.

Tip: Use finely bristled paint brushes to ensure there are no streaks when the glue dries.

Tip: The glue will build up on the brush as your project progresses. You can clean your brush with water, but it's a good idea to have extra brushes on hand.

RESOURCES :

Amir Studio and Frame Gallery
www.amirframegallery.com

Jewel Box Platinum/Jewel Box Frames
www.jewelboxplatinum.com

Larson-Juhl Framing Supplies
www.larsonjuhl.com