| Paperweights |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-702 |
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Q: My son just started his own business. Can you give me a suggestion on what to make him for his new office? A: (Debbie Stapely, DIY Crafts expert) What about paperweights? They're certainly useful, and personalized ones make thoughtful gifts. You can buy blank paperweights either at your local crafts store or online (figure A). They're clear glass half-globes that you can decorate in a variety of ways. One idea is to make a photo paperweight (figure B). - Simply color-copy a photo -- vacation shots are terrific -- and center the paperweight over the copy.
- Trace around the paperweight (figure C) and cut the picture slightly smaller than the tracing (there's a little "lip" around the bottom of the paperweight that the picture will need to fit inside (figure D).
- Spread white glue or decoupage glue on the bottom of the paperweight and apply the picture (be sure to glue the right -- photo -- side to the paperweight).
- Apply another coat of glue over the back of the photo, then squeeze as much glue as you can out of the brush and, starting in the middle, "burnish" the back by brushing to the edges to press out any air bubbles (figure E).
- Let the glue dry, then apply self-stick felt to the back of the paperweight to protect any surface you may set it on (figure F).
Tip: If you wish, you can also glue beads, seashells, etc., to the edge (figure G), but be sure they're set high enough that they don't extend below the bottom of the paperweight.
Another suggestion is to use etching cream to create a design on the paperweight. - Cut shapes out of clear self-stick paper to use as templates -- you can create either a positive or a negative effect, depending on whether you apply the cream around the shape or in the opening you've cut out of the paper (figure H).
Safety tip: Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when working with a chemical solution such as the cream.) - In this instance, we applied the cutout, then simply pressed the bottom of the paperweight into the cream (figure I).
Tip: You can also use a brush for application. - Let the cream set, then remove the pattern.
- We cut a shape out of homemade paper and glued it to the back (figure J), then added three flat-backed beads for feet (figure K).
Q: I want to make a mosaic tile planter. Can I use food coloring to color my grout? A: Yes, you can, but be warned: direct sun will fade the color. Q: Can I put the decoupage plate that I made in the dishwasher? A: No, that wouldn't be a good idea. Decoupaged items should be carefully hand-washed. Q: I have to make a crown to go with my daughter's fairy princess costume. What materials should I use? A: I've made lots of them out of a variety of materials: pipe cleaners with ribbon; tulle; fast-food crowns embellished with spray paint and "jewels"; etc. It's a good idea to look at the costume first and determine what type of crown would be suitable for the particular style: some require more "royal" looking crowns, while others can be set off perfectly with just a circlet of flowers.
RESOURCES :
Etching Glass: 20 Simple Elegant Projects To Etch With Easy-To-Use Creams And Liquids
Model: 1579901212
Author: Diana Light
(2000)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
Absolute Beginner's Decoupage: The Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Creating Beautiful Decoupage
ISBN: 0823000559
Author: Alison Jenkins
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Watson-Guptill Publications
Website: www.watsonguptill.com
Making Mosaics: Designs, Techniques & Projects
Model: 0806948728
Author: Leslie Dierks
(February, 1998)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Classic Mosaic: Designs & Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art
Model: 1570761590
Author: Elaine M. Goodwin
(February, 2000)
Trafalgar Square Publishing Co.
Website: www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Mosaics in an Afternoon
Model: 0806958030
Author: Connie Sheerin and Mickey Baskett
(August, 2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Mosaics: Inspirational Ideas and Practical Projects (The Weekend Crafter Series)
Model: 1579900038
Author: Martin Cheek
(February, 1998)
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
Mosaics: Inspiration and Original Projects for Interiors and Exteriors
Model: 1561583731
Author: Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth
(October, 1999)
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Outdoor Mosaic
Model: 1570761965
Author: Emma Biggs and Tessa Hunkin
(October, 2001)
Trafalgar Square Publishing Co.
Website: www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
The Mosaic Idea Book
Model: 1581800959
Author: Rosalind Wates
(September, 2000)
F & W Publications Inc. (North Light and Betterway Books, Story Press, Popular Woodworking Books)
Website: www.fwpublications.com
Making Bits & Pieces Mosaics: Creative Projects for Home and Garden
Model: 1580173071
Author: Marlene Hurley Marshall
(August, 2000)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
Paper: Hundreds of Stunning Practical Projects in Collage, Decoupage, Papier Mache. . .
ISBN: 1842152963
Author: Southwater Publishing
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Paper Perfect : Hundreds of Stunning Practical Projects in Collage, Decoupage, Papier-Mache. . .
ISBN: 1842152963
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Backyard Mosaics
Model: 0806929677
Author: Connie Sherrin
(October, 2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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