Project by Marty Stevens-Heebner of Sherman Oaks, Calif. Marty loves the creative process. In this project, she makes a gorgeous decoupage painted frame using various techniques. When she isn't working as a notary, Marty loves hosting crafting parties. Materials: 1" x 4" x 6' lumber
1-1/2" nails for nail gun
nail gun
compound miter saw
router
4" square mirror
hot glue gun
hot glue sticks
paper towels/napkins
Mod Podge
white craft glue
paintbrush
fabric leaves
gold paint
rhinestones
multi-purpose cement
polymer coating kit with resin and hardener
disposable container
disposable foam brush
craft stick
drop cloth Steps: 1. Either purchase an unfinished wood frame and a mirror to fit the center opening at a crafts store (and skip to step 5) or purchase a 1" x 4" x 6' plank of pine and have a 4-1/2-inch mirror cut to fit. 2. Measure the wood so that the short edge will be 4 inches after cutting on a compound miter saw set at a 45-degree angle. The other edge should measure approximately 10 inches. 3. Carve a groove (called a "rabbet") in the short edge that is 1/2-inch wide and 1/4-inch deep using a router. Assemble the frame and secure the corners using a finishing nailer (nail gun). 4. Position the mirror in the opening and secure using a hot glue gun. 5. Seal the back of the wood frame with Mod Podge, varnish or paint; then cover the mirror itself with masking tape to protect it while you decoupage. 6. Decide how you'll position the paper on the front of the frame. Glue it to the frame using a white glue such as Mod Podge; add a layer of Mod Podge over the top to seal the paper. 7. While that dries, mix a small amount of gold-colored paint with water and wash it over the fabric leaves. Allow them to dry. 8. After the paint is dry, attach the leaves to the frame using either white glue or a hot glue gun. Make sure everything is sealed with a layer of Mod Podge. 9. Use tweezers to affix small rhinestones around the frame using white glue or jeweler's glue. Let all this dry thoroughly for approximately 3 hours. 10. Cover an area with plastic and newspaper or a drop cloth. Wearing latex gloves, mix together the polymer coating in a disposable container. Set the frame atop small blocks or thread spools so that it won't stick to the drop cloth beneath. Pour and brush the polymer over the frame, making sure to cover it thoroughly. Small bubbles will appear in the coating, which can be removed by blowing gently across the surface. Wipe off any excess drips. 11. The coating will set in approximately 8 to 10 hours, but will take three days to cure completely. 12. On the fourth day, carefully remove the tape covering the mirror. Use tweezers and white glue or jeweler's glue, attach rhinestones to the mirror itself. 13. Screw a picture hanger in the back or drill a hole and insert a peg to stand it up. Website: www.halfthesky.biz
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