Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Update Your Reflection

Summer is time to lighten up and allow fresh colors to rule the walls.

Before heading out to a local boutique, check the closet or attic for a good up-cycling option.  After all, closets are usually where items go waiting out that guilt period before getting tossed in the trash pile.

Picture frames and mirrors offer an easy up-date opportunity. This mirror/print combo has been fearing the trash pile for 6 years now.  It's up-cycle day has finally come!

 

The supply list is small and already on hand!

*Spare paint  *Large and small brushes *Sandpaper  *Pliers *Scrap art

 

Gently tug at nails with pliers and set aside for re-use.In this case the cardboard backing is crumbling and needs to be replaced.

Remove the current mirror and glass. Clean with warm soapy water and set aside.

The current artwork in my frame is just a reprint dirtied by age- so into the recycle bucket it goes.Using a 120 grit paper,lightly sand the frame.  Remove sanding residue with a damp cloth.

Apply paint with large brush.  Use small brush for crevices and difficult areas.  Lightly sand when dry and use a damp cloth to wipe away any residue.

For the artwork section I am turning to the vast supply in my tidbits drawer.  I have stitching remnants, scrapbook papers, vintage images and old photographs to choose from.

 

Though I like all the options, I am going to go with the light airy look of the paper lace atop teal paper.

Using the frame glass as a template, cut the desired artwork to fit the frame.  Also use the glass and mirror as templates to cut new cardboard backings.

Reassemble the frame, glass, mirror, and artwork. Place new cardboard atop each section.  Using original nails and pliers, secure cardboard to the frame. 

 If this will be a gift, use decorative paper, or frame paper to seal the back for a finished look.

If you are like me, and change your mind with the seasons, leave the back open for easy artwork change-outs.  I never fear my guests looking behind my projects and seeing unfinished edges.  I always love to share the simple shortcuts of my work. 

LOVE & UP-CYCLE NATION!

 

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Vintage Plate Redo

This week I have a quickie trash to treasure project that transforms an outdated decorator plate into a sweet sentiment for less than the cost of a greeting card. 

This pretty little plate features delicate edging but the center painting is a bit dated- delegating it to the no-man's-land cupboard high above the refrigerator.

Using scrap papers, gift tags, and simple embellishments, this plate will enjoy the spotlight again.

Everything needed to transform this cutie is probably already in your craft closet:

Scrap paper

twine or ribbon

Mod-podge

Scissors & paintbrush

small embellishments

Using the bottom of the plate as a template, trace a circle onto the right side of scrap paper.  Cut out the circle cutting about 1/4 inch in from your pencil line as the bottom of the plate is usually a bit larger than the front.

Another trimming option is to place the circle cutout over the front indented space of the plate.  Using your thumb, press along the inside edge to create a pie crust effect that will give an accurate measure for snipping.

Use traditional scissors or create a decorative edge with scrapbook scissors. 

Once the paper is trimmed to the right size, apply a thin coat of Mod-podge to the back of the paper, and adhere paper to the center of the plate.  Allow to dry.  Apply a light top coat of Mod-podge and allow this layer to dry.  (Mod-podge dries quickly so wait time is minimal.)

Add embellishments as desired. 

 I am going with simple graphics- a combination of My Mind's Eye paper and a Papaya gift tag I saved from a recent gift. The key is to Mod-podge in layers.  Don't rush to add everything at once.

 Once the basic layers are down, attach twine or ribbon for easy display of the finished project.   (Adhesive hangers work well for plates without cut work.)

 At this point I want to finish with a ribbon and some small embellishments.  I pulled out some vintage bias tape, spare buttons, and a random rhinestone from the broken jewelry bin.

The ribbon has been weaved through the cutwork to hide the hanging twine and I stitched the button through the ribbon's knot.  Just a dab of Mod-podge secures the rhinestone to hide the original hole at the tag center.

These little treasures take less than 30 minutes from start to finish and give an old decorator plate an instant face lift.

A perfect shabby chic treat for yourself or someone you treasure.

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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