Have you seen those This or That posts going around on social media?
It seems they have one for every season or holiday.
And they always make me laugh, because for some reason, I've never seen one that lists crafts.
It's always apple picking or hayride? Christmas Movies or Christmas Music?
It's never Eating Thanksgiving Pie or Crafting?
Or how about one just filled with crafts?
That would be best, since I think crafting during the holiday season, beats out almost anything.
Ok, well maybe not eating pie, but it'd be pretty close.
Well, in the spirit of holiday crafting, I have a fun one to share today.
It's another Thanksgiving Thrift Flip, that started with this.
It's a $2.00 chalkboard sign one of the treasures I found last January in small shop.
The frame is metal with a chain that can be used to hang it up either vertically or horizontally and as soon as I saw it I knew that it would make a perfect fall sign.
Of course, in classic Kim style that's as far as I got...until I found these guest towel/ napkins at Dollar Tree.
And even then, my plan was a little rough, but again, that's my style. I tend to be an on the fly kind of crafter.
Projects evolve as I make them based on how they look and what I have on hand.
This transformation began with a plan to paint and decoupage.
So I gathered my supplies and then took the frame apart to remove the chalkboard panel.
I could've left it inside the frame and taped it off, since that golden color was too fabulous to change. However, it was so easy to take it out, I opted to do that instead.
If you decide to do a similar project, but there's not way to remove the panel from the frame, then I would definitely save yourself some clean up and use the painter's tape.
Once it was free, I gave it a few coats of acrylic paint, using a paintbrush. I have to say, it's been a long time -like years - since I've used anything but chalk or mineral paint, and boy oh boy, is there a difference!
The coverage was not as thick, I probably needed some kind of primer over that black base, it took much longer to dry and I need a lot more coats.
I was unimpressed.
In between coats, I prepared my napkin. Unfortunately, I ran into trouble there, too.
Things started off as expected, with me, cutting out the portion of the napkin I wanted to use.
I've honestly never seen that before...then again, these were from the dollar store. I guess, sometimes a bargain isn't really a bargain.
Eventually, that board also got covered well enough and dried. That's when I covered it with my decoupage. I used Dixie Belle Satin Sealer.
Mod Podge or a homemade version works equally, as well.
Then I carefully centered my napkin on the board and gently smoothed it out using a plastic baggie so my fingers wouldn't get sticky and rip the wet paper.
Now, normally at this point, I'd grab my sealer again and brush some more on to seal the everything in place. But oh no, not this time.
This time, I had this brand new mini craft iron I wanted to try out.
I'd given this fancy decoupage iron on technique a while last Christmas and it was great. That was on tile.
I wanted to see how it was going to work on another surface.
MINI CRAFTING IRON |
And I'm happy to report, it was fantastic.
I didn't have to mess with anymore decoupage, worry about getting that already delicate napkin any wetter and tear during the final steps.
Nope, I just waited for it to dry, grabbed a piece of parchment paper and turned the iron on.
It was super teeny, but it worked out very well. It was hot enough to make the chalkboard panel hot all the way through, which was more than I expected.
When the ironing was done, I like my sign but it was a bit plain. So I dug some ribbon out of my stash and hot glued it in place.
I used brown to outline the napkin and orange to make a bow. Then I popped it back inside its frame.
And when I was done, I had a lovely little sign for Thanksgiving.
To decorate my home and welcome guests during this first half of the holiday season.
And I crafted it all by myself.
My favorite way to pass the time from November to January.
Well, when I'm not eating pie.
😉
Are you a holiday crafter?
Happy Crafting, Friends!
Decoupage is something I need to do again, it's so fun and quickly rewarding! I agree, all the "this or that" never include crafting, I hadn't thought about that! Also bucket lists for fall don't often include crafting either! Love your style and this repurpose tutorial, just adorable! Blessings to you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn! I see some welcome baby or baby's first Christmas decoupage ornaments in your future!! I bet you will be having a lovely Christmas with your new addition!!
DeleteI haven't been crafting much lately, but I did find some leftover cinnamon dough tags I made last year and decided to create some simple and rustic/glam ornaments for this year's tree. And you are right about crafting - its very cathartic.
ReplyDeleteI saw your cinnamon ornaments, Gina and now I want to make a few...relaxing and crafting in front of the tree!! Thanks for the idea!
DeleteKim, I love the idea of this or that crafting. I've never seen one either. I love this frame and sign you made for Thanksgiving. Happy crafting Kim.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! I'm so not good with Instagram, but I'm going to find out how to post that this or that there so people can share if they want!!
DeleteWhat a fun FLIP ... I am in hopes to find some frames when I go thrifting next week. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you find some frames for your cute home, Carla and thanks...I love this fall flip!!
DeleteYou know I'm a sucker for a good upcycle, Kim. I love this sign and the chippy frame. Cute, Cute, Cute!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! I loved that frame and knew I could make it really stand out with a little napkin magic!
DeleteHow adorable that turned out, Kim! That’s strange about the napkin in not separating properly.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit. Your comment came as a no reply comment blogger, along with many others. It’s so frustrating!
Hi Kitty! Thanks for popping by, yes Blogger is a fickle friend, hopefully they have it solved quickly!!
DeleteThis little craft came out so cute. Even with all the issues it is just adorable. I love that little baby iron you have. So handy and cute all at the same time lol! You are the crafting whisper for sure. Have a great weekend. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteHi Kris!! Thanks so much! The craft whisperer!! Haha! I love it!
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