Articles : Tutorials - Paper Crafting

Make a scene

Create an entire scene in a room using altered frames, a lamp, and vinyl letters.

 

In this class, I am going to teach you how to create an entire scene in a room!

 

 

I will show you step by step how to use crackle paint on a wood frame, how to cover a frame with paper using mod podge, decorating an ordinary lamp base and shade, and applying vinyl quotes to your wall.

 

For a complete supply list, refer to http://www.acherryontop.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=314&t=199269

 

This is the original scene that I will be decorating:

 

First, we will be altering some photo frames for this space.

 

How to use crackle paint on a frame

 

Step 1:

 

Remove the backing from your picture frame and put aside, along with glass or any mat that may be in the frame. We want it to be JUST the frame.

 

Step 2:

 

Place on your work surface. I used an old piece of cardboard from one of my orders! 

 

Step 3:

 

Open your container of Tim Holtz Crackle Paint. You will see that it comes with an applicator brush attached to the lid, very handy.

 

Step 4:

 

Directly paint the crackle paint onto your wood frame. Depending on how much paint you apply in an area will determine the size of cracks. I like to have a nice variety so I apply a lot of paint in one area and a thinner coat in others.

 

Step 5:

 

Allow your frame to dry for at least one hour. As it dries, you will see the cracks starting to show up. Wasn’t that EASY?

 

When the frame is completely dry, you can add the glass, mat, and a photo back to the frame. I also added a Prima flower and a nylon butterfly to the front of my frame, using hot glue.

 

 

 

How to mod podge paper to a frame

 

Step 1:

 

Remove any glass, backing, and mats from your frame so that you are left with JUST a plain frame.

 

Step 2:

 

Lie your frame face down onto the reverse side of the paper you want to use.

 

 

Step 3:

 

Using a pencil, trace all the way around your frame and inside your frame as well. Set frame a side for a moment.

This is what your paper should look like. Remember, this is the side of the paper that will NOT be seen.

 

 

Step 4:

 

Place your paper on a cutting mat or extra piece of cardboard. You will be cutting the center of the frame out first. This gives you more area of paper to hold onto and turn for more precise straight lines and corners and keeps the paper stronger so it will not tear.

Cut the center out with a craft or exacto knife. 

 

 Step 5:

 

 Now cut along the border lines you traced, using a pair of scissors. Set paper aside for a moment. 

 

Step 6:

 

Using a sponge brush, apply a very thin layer of mod podge to the front of your frame. You want this layer to be thin and even, paying special attention to the edges of your frame. Too much mod podge will cause your paper to warp. 

 

Step 7:

 

Place your paper onto the frame. Make sure the side you do want showing is on top! Also be careful to line up your sides so no wood is showing. Smooth down once you are sure of its positioning.

 

 

Step 8:

 

For really precise edges, allow your frame to dry for 20 minutes then flip back over onto your cutting mat. Using your exacto knife, cut off any paper strips that overhang the frame. 

 

 Step 9:

 

Apply another very thin layer of mod podge over the top of your paper. This helps seal and protect your paper. Allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes.

 

 

 Step 10:

 

After your frame is completely dry, you can add any kind of embellishments to it you like. I chose tiny little pearls to adorn my frame, or leave it as it is. Add the glass, mat, or photo back to your new pretty frame.

 

 

 

 How to alter a lamp shade and base

 

Step 1:

 

Measure your ribbon out around the bottom rim of your lamp shade. You want the ends to slightly overlap, not more than one inch. Cut to size.

 

Step 2:

 

Working in small section, about 2.5 inches at a time, apply hot glue to the rim of your shade. Smooth ribbon over glue. Continue to do this until you have glued the entire length of ribbon onto the base of your shade.

  

 

Step 3:

 

Hot glue a large Prima flower onto your shade (optional).

 

 

Step 4:

 

Now you will need to place your pearls onto your shade. The ones I used came with adhesive already on the back of them. I randomly placed them on my shade. To ensure your pearls stay attached, I suggest using a dab of hot glue on the back of each pearl.

 

 

Step 5:

 

Measure a length of ribbon to go around the base of your lamp now. You can use the same ribbon you used along the shade, or choose a coordinating ribbon. Cut ribbon so it is barely overlapping (no more than half an inch).

 

Step 6:

 

Wrap ribbon around base and glue ribbon where it overlaps. Make sure you have the edge on the back side of the lamp base.

 

 

 You now have a custom made lamp!

 

 

 

How to apply vinyl quotes to a wall, mirror, glass, or wood

 

Step 1:

 

Remove the vinyl wall quote from its packaging. It will be rolled up. Unroll it and flatten it out. 

 

 

Step 2:

 

Flip the quote over so the letters look backwards to you. Using the provided tool (It looks like a credit card), very gently rub over each letter.

 

 

 

Step 3:

 

Hold the quote up to the wall and decide where you like it placed. I like to use masking tape or painters tape to hold it in place so I can step back and make sure it is straight. You may want to mark the edges with a faint pencil line.

 

 

Step 4:

 

Remove the quote from your wall and place face down so that the letters appear backwards to you. Very slowly unpeel the back layer of the quote.

 

 

Step 5:

 

Place quote against your wall, paying careful attention not to fold or crease it. The sticky back will be to the wall and you should be able to read the quote correctly. Do not press it against the wall until you know it is where you want it or it will stick! Think of it as a giant sticker.

 

Step 6:

 

Using the applicator, firmly go over each letter of the quote. You will be pressing it to the wall, much like a rub on.

 

 

Step 7:

 

Slowly peel the top layer of the paper off of the wall. This will leave just the vinyl letters on your wall. It is best to start at a corner and pull it at a slight angle from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. 

 

 

Step 8:

 

If you notice that any of the letters are still on the white paper you are peeling off and not on the wall, gently place the paper back up and use the applicator to rub it on again. Re-peel the white paper off again. Once the letters are rubbed onto the wall, you cannot take it off and re-stick it again.

 

You now have a gorgeous vinyl quote on your wall!

 

 

The same directions apply for placing them on glass or wood.

 

 

If for some reason you decide to remove the quote from your wall, simply use a hair dryer over them for a few seconds and you can easily peel it off. Vinyl letters are not re-useable. They will not leave a mark on your walls.

 

 

Well ladies, now it’s time to place all of your creations together! Look at this scene you created!

 

 

 

Just beautiful! Feel free to mix in other items into your scene as well.

 

 

 

 

 

About the author ...
Diana is a SAHM to 3 adorable children with a degree in interior decorating. She started paper scrapping in 2004 and digital scrapbooking in 2008.Diana still enjoys paper crafting,traditional paper scrapping,altered art,photography,and hybrid work. Her work has been published by Bellascraps and she is currently on the design team of Kreations by Kami. Aside from scrapping, her hobbies are reading,writing,singing,refinishing furniture,and spending her husband's money on pretty things. She loves being a part of the Digital Design Team here at ACherryOnTop.

Published on 11/14/2008. Submitted by dianagirly

Reader Comments ...

katarria . Connecticut	11/12/08 6:22 pm
Ooooh - so pretty!! I especially love the lamp!
janello . Indiana	11/12/08 8:53 pm
Wow, can you fly out to come decorate my home for me??? This is great Diana!
Art_Teacher . London, OH	11/15/08 9:54 am
Cool idea! Adorable...you are so creative!
ctaylor0312 . North Carolina	11/15/08 10:25 am
Awesome!!! Now I'm gonna have to put the vinyle in by wish list so I could use it with my cricut. Curses you Diana . . .
Renee . Vermont	11/17/08 3:45 pm
Thanks, Diana! I have had a vinyl quote for Alex's wall for awhile now and I've been afraid to put it on. I'm going to go put it up!
Kara . Maryland--land of the crab!	11/17/08 7:06 pm
wow Diana!!! this is awesome!! thanks so much
Susanne_79 . Denmark	11/19/08 8:49 am
That is just to darn cute. I´m in awe. Thank you for sharing that wonderful space you made :)