DIY Network

Plaster Invitation Make a Tuscan inspired invitation. From "Weekend Entertaining" episode WKE-406

Host Jeanne Benedict and the party hosts create a party inviation using plywood, plaster, and beautiful paper.

advertisement

Materials:

6"x7" piece of 1/4" plywood
joint compound
putty knife
3"x4" fresco image with space around edges
double stick tape
cup of water
light and dark brown acrylic glaze
1" flat brush
heavy duty paper towel
6-1/8"x7-1/8" gold script paper
sanding block
4"x5" party information printed on parchment paper
gold ink pad
gold pen

	Figure A
	Figure B

1. Tear the paper around the fresco image, leaving about 1/4" border around the image. Use double stick tape to adhere the image to the plywood, centered on one side.

2. Apply a layer of joint compound to the exposed plywood around the fresco image (figure A).

3. Overlap the compound onto the paper to cover the edges so that none of the border shows.

4. Use a putty knife to spread on a thick layer of compound, and then lightly skim the surface of the compound to create the look of a plaster wall. Be sure to overlap and smooth the compound onto the sides of the plywood. Allow it to dry for several hours under a fan or until you can't make an impression when touched.

5. In a cup, mix equal parts of water and light brown glaze. Use a one inch brush to apply the glaze mixture to all plastered surfaces (figure B). The glaze should puddle and pool in the indentions of the plaster. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes.

6. Pick up a small dab of dark brown glaze (undiluted) onto a heavy duty paper towel. Blot the glaze onto the surface of the plaster, blotting in a random pattern—removing most of the glaze to create the look of an aged plaster wall. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes.

	Figure C
	Figure D

7. Use double stick tape to adhere the script-printed paper onto the back of the plywood. The edges of the paper may slightly overlap the edges of the plywood. Use a sanding block to sand the edges of the paper (figure C), making the paper even with the plywood and giving it a rough—aged look.

8. Tear the parchment paper just around the edges of the printed party information. Rub the gold ink pad gently onto the torn edges of the paper. Use double stick tape to attach the information to the script paper—centered.

9. Use a gold pen to carefully trace over some of the script writing on the script paper (figure D).

10. Place the invitation plaster side up, and then allow it to dry for 24 hours before mailing in a padded envelope.

RESOURCES :

Create for Less
Website: www.createforless.com

Fabric.com
Website: www.fabric.com

All Occasions Party Rentals
Website: www.alloccasionspartyrentals.com

Zwilling Cutlery
J.A. Henckels, Inc.
Website: www.jahenckels.com

GUESTS :

Jorge Lopez
Technical "WOW" Director
President
J and M Entertainment
26027 Huntington Lane, Units D and E
Valencia, CA 91355
Toll-free phone: 800-585-4235
E-mail: jorgel@jandmentertainment.com
Website: www.jandmentertainment.com

Krista Lawlor
Craft Expert
Creative Ta Da
E-mail: creativetada@bellsouth.net
Website: www.creativetada.etsy.com

Melanie Barsuk
Culinary Expert
Simple Gourmet
PO Box 1217
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: 310-318-6484
E-mail: mbarsuk@simple-gourmet.com
Website: www.simple-gourmet.com

Kit Wertz
Floral Expert
4633 Berryman Ave.
Culver City, CA 90230
Phone: 310-390-4968
E-mail: casey@flowerduet.com
Website: www.flowerduet.com