| Decorative Frames |
From "DIY Crafts"
episode DIC-140 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
The Hy-Jo company makes a wooden frame with grooves, and Carol Duvall, host of HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show, knew exactly what to put in those indentations. Using foam, shells and tile, Carol and her helpers assembled frames to match any decor. Brick Frame To re-create the frame envisioned by Carol's prop master, first paint the frame with sand-colored textured paint. After cutting 1/2" thick plastic foam into many small bricks, paint each one with granite paint. Carol suggests using brick-colored textured paint. The small holes in the foam and uneven surfaces add to the illusion of bricks, so it is not necessary to have a final smooth surface. To complete the frame, glue the painted foam blocks in the wells of the frame with white glue, arranging them to look like bricks. Grout is not required for this project (figure A). Tiled Frame Decoratively shaped or small square tiles can be used to decorate a frame. Paint the frame with Granite Stone Paint®, then apply the tiles with a glue gun (figure B). Ceramic grout adhesive can be used but is not essential in this case as the tile will most likely never receive hard wear and tear. After the tiles are set, fill in the area between the tiles with grout according to the manufacturer's directions. Before the grout is completely dry, wipe all surfaces with a damp sponge to remove excess (figure C). Frames to Fill: Shell Frame Materials: Large shells
Sand-colored textured paint
Paint brush
Glue gun
Small sponges, cotton swabs, old toothbrush
Grout
- Brush on one light coat of sand-colored textured paint (Granite Stone Paint). Allow to dry, then apply a second coat, brushing in the opposite direction. Allow to dry. A third coat may be necessary for complete coverage (figure D).
- Attach shells to the frame, using a hot-glue gun. Glue can be applied directly to the shell or the frame, depending on the shape of the shell.
- When the shells are in place, apply the grout. Carol applied the grout with a squeeze applicator because of the large spaces between the shells and the amount of grout required. A cake-decorating tube may be used, or a homemade applicator will work as well (figure E).
- When grout is slightly dry, start to clean off the shells with whatever tools work best, including small sponges, cotton swabs, old toothbrushes, etc. This may take some time because of the uneven surface the shells create.
- When the shells have been cleaned, allow the grout to dry, then coat again with the granite paint to cover any mistakes (figure F).
Carol's Tip: - Carol's homemade grout applicator consisted of an empty plastic tube that originally contained cleansing lotion. She simply cut off the bottom end and put in the grout. The tube was then put into a plastic bag just in case the grout spurted out. To force the grout out onto the frame, Carol merely rolled down the cut end of the tube.
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
