I also love the look of leaves or cards kept under glass. Press your leaves or find some pretty cards, lay them on the tray and place a piece of glass on top. Finally, you can stencil a design in the middle of the tray, or make a stenciled border -- there are lots of possibilities.
Q: I saw the most beautiful silver-dipped seashells on a recent trip to Mexico. They were very expensive, but I’d like the look without the cost. Can you help me create it?
A: There is a very simple way to re-create the look, and that is through silver leafing. Basically it's a fairly simple process.
Steps:
- Choose a good area to receive the leafing.
- Apply the sizing and let it set up.
- Apply the leafing.
- Brush off excess.
- If you wish, you can apply a sealer.
Q: I’ve heard of reverse stenciling, but what is it and how is it done?
A: Actually there are several methods of reverse stenciling, but here are a couple of easy methods:
- Paint a base coat, and then put down the cutout part of a stencil. Or you can make a cutout from plastic or Mylar, then paint over it. With this method, instead of stenciling on the color, you’ll be coloring around the stencil for a reverse stencil.
- Draw an image on your work, then paint in with artist’s fluid. Then paint over it and peel the fluid away. Either way works and gives you a different look.
Money-Saver Tip: This one is truly a money-saver in every sense of the word. It’s inexpensive to do, and you use it to save your money. Get a jar or a can, preferably with a lid that you can cut a hole in. Decorate it with paints or decoupage, and keep it by the laundry area in your home. Every time change or even dollars fall out of the pockets of the laundry, put it in the jar, and then every so often treat your family to pizza or ice cream or something fun with the money you’ve saved.
Quick Tip:
From crafts expert Debbie Stapley: If you take care of the tools you use for your projects, they will last longer -- and your projects will look better. Here are some tips to help you care for your brushes:
- Wash brushes with soap and water as soon as you're finished using them.
- Toothbrush stands and travel cases are ideal for storing brushes.
- To protect the bristles of a small brush, slip it (handle first) into a drinking straw and pull the straw up to cover the bristles.
