Posts Tagged ‘design’
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
Have you ever looked at beautiful mosaic tables or mirrors and wished you could make one yourself, I know I have. Here are a few basic instructions you will be able to follow and apply to any design.
If it’s your first attempt at this it’s best to start with a flat surface so a small side table or mirror frame will be a good choice.
What You Will Need :-
- Old plates or/and tiles are the easiest to start with but china, glass and shells are also good depending on your project.
- Impact adhesive
- Paint brush
- Corrugated cardboard
- Clear contact or tape
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Tile cutter
- 2 pairs of pliers
- Rubber gloves
- Poster paint
- Tile grout
- Large sponge
Plan your design and draw it out on your project base. Seal the surface with a coat of adhesive using a brush and leave to dry according to instructions or for at least one hour.
Break up your material, if you are using plates cover with contact and cardboard then tap with the hammer to break into smallish pieces. Check your plate with each hammer tap.
Spread adhesive over your projects surface a section at a time extending a little past the design outline. Transfer mosaic pieces to the glued surface, leaving small gaps in between each piece to allow for grout. Continue in this way until your design is complete.
If you use tiles for part or all of the design you will need the tile cutter to score and cut to the desired size, roughly a 15mm square is a good size for most designs. For smaller pieces score with tile cutter then use the pliers to snap. Make sure there are no sharp pieces overhanging the edges. Leave your design overnight to dry thoroughly.
Grout your mosaic using rubber gloves to protect your hands, Mix the grout as directed. Buy a coloured grout of your choice or mix in poster paint to get the colour you want. Use the sponge to work the grout into all the gaps, make it level with the surface. Smooth out, removing excess grout with a clean damp sponge, smooth and even the edges. Allow to dry overnight, clean off any remaining film from the grout and polish your finished mosaic with a clean cloth.
Well Done 
Tags: adhesive, china, colour, design, glass, grout, hammer, mirror, mosaic, plates, polish, shells, table, tile
Posted in Craft Ideas | No Comments »
Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Calligraphy is the art of beautiful writing and it is just as old as writing is. Even though its origins are ancient it is still a popular form of creative expression. Just like any art with patience and practice it can be learned by following a few basic techniques and principles.
Posture is the first thing to consider when you start writing, sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor leaning forward slightly. Sitting correctly will benefit your eye and back muscles and prevent tiring. Hold your pen with a relaxed hand applying even pressure when writing. Using a light but even touch will ensure the ink flows smoothly so letters are formed without interruption.
Choose a paper fine enough for a lined page to be seen from underneath as you practice. This will keep your lines straight and evenly spaced, proper spacing and margins contribute to the final appearance of your calligraphy writing. Consistency in spacing will prevent an uneven appearance that will result if you leave large gaps or bunch letters to close together.
There are a few different lettering styles you can try start by practicing the basic strokes. Be careful to maintain a correct angle with your pen, slant your strokes consistently and work on your rhythm.
Some suggested styles to try :-
- Chancery Italic
- Gothic
- Uncial
- Decorative
Use decorative initials in your work to add some interest and colour. Again, with practice once you have mastered the lettering you can begin to design and decorate your own illuminated letters. Use calligraphy for creating beautifully presented invitations, signs, posters etc., but most of all enjoy.
Keep smiling
Tags: calligraphy, colour, design, lettering, paper, pen, practice, stroke, writing
Posted in Paper Crafts | No Comments »
Monday, October 19th, 2009
Papier mâché is another beautiful paper craft. You can make beautiful plates, bowls or containers for gifts or decoration with a little creativity, some old newspapers and a dash of patience.
You Will Need
- A mould – a bowl, container or plate of your choice
- Cling wrap
- Vaseline
- Wallpaper paste
- Newspaper
- Scissors
- Glue brush
- Craft knife
- Paint and brushes (poster or acrylic)
- White emulsion
- Clear Varnish Spray
What To Do
- Choose your mould and give it a coat of vaseline then line it with cling wrap. Fold the wrap over the rim of your container or bowl, it will be easier to lift out your mould when ready. Make up your wallpaper paste and prepare your newspaper by tearing it into small squares.
- Cover the plastic film with paste and then apply a layer of pasted newspaper. Make sure you overlap the edges of each piece of newspaper as you paste. Paste five layers of paper and then leave to dry overnight in a warm location. Repeat each day until you have the thickness you want. Make your last layer as smooth as possible.
- Your papier mâché will need to dry for several days in a warm place before you remove it from the mould. It has to be completely dry or it will not hold its shape. Carefully use the cling wrap to lift your new bowl or container out of the mould then remove the wrap.
- You may need to use some scissors or the craft knife to trim or tidy the edge so that it is even. Be careful here it is easy to take off to much. When you are happy with the edge paste one layer of pasted newspaper pieces over it so it is really smooth. Allow to dry throughly for a day or longer if necessary.
- Paint two coats of white emulsion on both sides of your new bowl or plate, this creates a smooth surface and also hides the newsprint. Paint your background colour, give it at least one coat and allow it to thoroughly dry before creating your design.
- Plan, draw and then paint your design onto your bowl or plate. if you don’t feel confident with this part of the process use a cutout design from gift wrap or a magazine. Coat the design in wall paper paste and stick in place. Leave to dry.
- When everything has dried thoroughly spray with clear varnish, to protect it, giving it two coats for a glossy finish. You should now be very happy with your completed papier mâché creation.
Well Done
Tags: bowl, colour, container, craft, creation, design, gift wrap, gloss, knife, magazine, newspaper, papier mâché, paste, plate, varnish, wall
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Monday, October 19th, 2009
Decorating plates using découpage is really easy and the effect is as good as any expensive designer plate. The great thing is when you do it yourself you can make very special personalised gifts and momentos. You can use photos, special messages or dates, write your own messages or poems for a really impressive look.
What You Need -
- Wrapping paper, greeting cards or other suitable motif.
- Sharp scissors
- PVA Glue and Brush
- Glass plates
- Paint (Acrylic or Emulsion) and Brushes
- Blu-tac
- Extra fine pointed gold or other suitable colour marker pen (spirit-based).
- Cotton wool buds
- Small sponge
- Clear Varnish and paint brush
What To Do -
- Cut out the motifs you will be using. It can look effective to put a larger image in the centre and smaller ones around the edge. Use blu-tac to keep your design in place until you are happy with the positions.
- At this point it is a good idea to put your personal message or photo on the plate.
- With your message and motifs worked out it is time to secure everything in place with glue. Using the PVA paste the right side of your motifs and place them on the underside of your glass plate. Smooth it out with your finger being careful to remove any air bubbles.
- Place any other decorations you are using in the same manner.
- When everything is in place and dry you are ready to paint. Clear off any excess glue with warm water and cotton wool bud. Sponge paint over the back of the plate several times allowing it to dry in between each sponging.
- To finish off, protect the paint with a couple of coats of clear varnish. Remember to allow each coat to dry before applying the next. Clean up the top surface and dry to a shine. this plate should not be submerged in water to clean just wipe with a damp cloth.
- To hang your plate add a peel and stick hanger to the back.
Take your time and plan your design carefully and you will not be disappointed.
Have Fun:)
Tags: blu-tac, decorations, découpage, design, glue, paint, plate, varnish
Posted in Hand made gifts | No Comments »
Friday, October 16th, 2009
You will need a pre-made box. These can be found in most craft supply stores along with many other crafty items you can apply découpage to.
Instructions
- Seal the surface of item to be decorated with all-purpose sealer, paint or gesso.
- Sand gently with coarse sanding pad. Clean with a damp cloth then wipe over with a tack cloth to remove dust.
- Apply two coats of your choice of green acrylic to the inside of the box, allow to dry then wipe over with acrylic gold.
- Mix a cool and warm acrylic yellow together and apply to the outside of the box. Let dry, trim with the green and wipe over with gold.
- Seal painted surface with all purpose sealer.
- Seal découpage paper, front and back, with sealer.
- Use sharp manicure scissors to cut out motifs. Arrange images as desired for your project. Use blu-tack while deciding your design.
- Mix clag and PVA, 4:1 and apply generously to images and surface of item. Place your images on the item and apply more glue. Smooth the surface of image and remove air bubbles and expelling excess glue. Apply roller gently to the surface to ensure it is smooth and free of bubbles. Wipe carefully with a damp cloth, so as not to move the image.
- Using a weak vinegar and water solotion wipe over the surface to ensure all glue is removed. This prevents mould forming after the item has been varnished. Let dry. Any patches can be coloured with oil pencil.
- Use sponge brush to apply two coats of sealer. Let dry.
- Working in a ventilated dust free area apply acrylic or polyurethane varnish to protect your finished work. Apply smoothly and carefully work in even strokes from end to end without lifting brush from surface. Allow to dry following manufacturers instructions. Repeat about 30 times, at right angles to each previous coat. Sand in between each coat also at right angles to previous sanding, using the course, medium than fine sanding pads. Wipe with tack cloth before reapplying each coat until you reach your desired finish.
- Polish with Micro-mesh or beeswax.
Tags: acrylic, cloth, colour, design, glue, images, Jewel, paint, paper, sand
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Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Greeting cards can be great as a gift on their own as well as adding something special to any gift. Coloured and textured papers, simple decorations, ribbons or bows are all it takes to come up with the perfect card.
Materials
Craft glue, White card, Ruler, Clean scrap paper, Ribbon, Scissors, Paper punch.
1. Cut out a piece of card large enough to be folded in half and fit your design on the front. Test out various designs before gluing anything down.
2. Fold the card rectangle in half lengthways and press it with your fingers. Carefully preessing down on the fold using a ruler will make it look more defined.
3. Create your design – an idea you can use – place a piece of paper in a contrasting colour in the centre of your card and stencil or glue a picture that suits the occasion. For example, balloons or cake for a birthday. Paint over the stencil with a brush. Reveal your image by removing the stencil.
4. Small matching gift tags are a nice added touch. Decorate with some ribbon by punching a hole in the corner and tying a bow.
5. Small coloured beads, glitter or scrapbooking decorations can be used for a uniquely creative design.
Enjoy
Tags: balloons, bithday, colour, craft, design, greeting card, ribbon decoration
Posted in Craft Ideas | No Comments »
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Applique’ is stitching fabric shapes on to a background fabric to create designs. You can stitch the shapes by hand or machine, or you can fuse them on with a bonding fabric. It is a versatile technique that can be used to decorate many items from clothing to soft furnishings.
Materials
Fabric - The easiest form of applique’ uses motifs cut from printed fabrics. Fabrics with bold smooth outlines they are the easiest for cutting out and applying. Most firm colourfast fabrics work best, be sure they are a match for washing so there are no laundering problems. Stretch and loosly woven fabrics generally don’t work well.
Templates can be used if you wish to make your own shapes, choose plain or patterned, firmly woven, smooth fabric for best results. Non woven fabrics such as felt and leather make good motifs they are easier to cut and they don’ fray.
Needles and Pins – Use fine, sharp pins and needles which will pierce the fabric without snagging or making large holes.
Thread – Should be matched to the colour of the motif
Dressmakers marker – for drawing designs .
Paper – Graph paper, tracing paper and thin card are useful if you plan to do your own applique design.
Bonding fabric -can be used to fuse applique’ to the main fabric.
Scissors – must be sharp, use dressmakers scissors to cut designs out roughly, then use small scissors to cut out fine detail.
Happy Sewing :
Tags: design, fabric, needles, paper, pins
Posted in sewing | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 15th, 2009
Applique is the name given to stitching pieces of fabric to a background cloth to make a design. Using a variety of textures and colours will give you an almost endless supply for your imagination. Done by hand or on a sewing machine you can decorate your home with your own personal and unique touch.
Materials and Equipment
Two pairs of scissors – one for cutting out shapes and a fine pointed pair for notching edges and snipping threads. Needles in a packet of assorted sizes should cover everything required. Choose your needles to suit your stitch this makes for much easier sewing, large needles are best for embroidery. Pins, very fine will hold the pieces in position while sewing. A thimble will help you keep up a nice pace of work. An embroidery hoop makes large scale work easier.
Regular pure cotton thread is the best though synthetic will work fine. For slip stitching use a matching colour to your applique piece. Transparent thread is useful if you cannot match your colours and a contrast is not wanted. For machine stitching use a machine embroidery cotton choose a fine lustrous texture if possible.
Tracing paper is used for designing. A non-slip paper is best for backing machine applique work. A hard sharp pencil is needed for designs.
A sewing machine should have a swing needle if it is to be used to apply the pieces. Fabric of almost any description is usually worth keeping for your applique projects. for machine applique is is best to use firm fabric backgrounds and for the applique pieces, finely woven, plain weave fabrics.
Tags: design, Embroidery, fabric, machine, needle, sewing, sewing machine, texture, thread
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