Don't you find that Christmas decorations are so much nicer if you've made them yourself?
I completed this little project a couple of weeks ago. It's the kind of thing that you could hang on your tree or you could gift to a dog-loving friend using it as a gorgeous big tag on their Christmas present.
What you'll need:
- Paint - I used Frenchic but you can use any chalk paint or acrylic paint
- Decoupage Paper - I used Itd
- Decoupage Glue - I used Frenchic Finishing Coat
- Glue - pva/craft glue
- Silicone Moulds - I used Iron Orchid Designs Holly Lane and another brand from my stash
- Gold paint for decoration - I used Frenchic Frensheen Gorgeous Gold
- Ribbons for hanging and decoration
How to make it:
1. Paint your plaque with white paint - let it dry
2. Apply your decoupage paper - put decoupage glue on to the plaque and then when stuck in place, paint the decoupage glue over the top of the image - let it dry.
3. Make your mouldings - stick them in position
4. Paint your mouldings - let them dry
5. Add gold to highlight
7. Add ribbons for hanging and decoration
**Don't forget to decorate the back of the plaque!!**
Why use Iron Orchid Designs Decor Moulds?
I'm often asked this question by folks who haven't used them before.
IOD moulds are made from food grade silicone so can be used for baking as well as crafting - just be sure not to use the same mould for both! They have a 'micro rim' around each of the shapes in the mould which makes it sooooo easy to remove any excess clay thus producing perfectly shaped castings. The detail on them is always phenomenal and they can be used very happily for crafting and furniture beautification. They can be used with Air Dry Clay and resin too depending on how you're using your castings. IOD Moulds are very easy to clean in warm soapy water. They last for years.
As an Official Iron Orchid Designs UK Stockist, do I sometimes use other brands of moulds for my projects I hear you ask? Well sometimes yes I do because I have a huge stash that I have collected over the years. You'll see a non IOD casting on my plaque. As lovely as it is, in my opinion, the mould is not as easy to use as IOD.
Why use Frenchic Products?
As an Official UK Stockist of Frenchic Paint I am in the lucky position of always having paint to hand. Whatever the colour required, I'm sure to have a tin in stock.
Frenchic is lovely to use - whichever range you choose - whether it's for furniture, walls or crafting. None of the products contain nasties, they are very low VOC, they are certified safe for children - what more could you ask for?
I especially love Finishing Coat - it's so versatile as a sealer and as a decoupage medium. It's easy to use, it doesn't smell (unlike some other glues and varnishes) and a bottle lasts for ages. It can be mixed with Frensheen to make a paint - this is what I used to highlight the gold areas on my plaque. I was really pleased with how those areas turned out.
It's always very reassuring to know that Frenchic products are not full of nasty chemicals, especially if you are painting every day like me.
Now off you go and have fun making some Christmas decorations!!
Written with love and laughter,
YSP