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| Paper Clay Photo Frame |
Make a photo frame using a ready-made "papier mache" called Paperclay. It can be easily sculptured to form just about any shape and then decorated in any way you like.
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1
Transfer the following pattern onto the cardboard and cut out the frame. Cut out the centre and keep it in a safe place. This will be used as a backing board to fix your picture onto later on. Score along the dotted lines using the craft knife being careful not to cut right through.
2
Fold down each flap along the scored lines and tape the frame together with masking tape. Place extra pieces of tape on the "open" corners to cover any holes.
3
Fix the piece of 8cm wire onto the back of the frame using masking tape. Mix up the Paperclay instant papier mâché mix according to the instructions. Mix 250 grams of Paperclay with 200ml of water. Mix it well with your hands until it becomes smooth and flexible. Roll small amounts in your hand.
4
Using small flattened pieces of Paperclay, cover the surface of the entire frame creating a thin, even layer. Smooth over with your fingers or a kitchen knife as you go, using gentle pressure.
5
Make sure the entire surface of the frame has been covered (including the back). Then roll four pieces of Paperclay into flat balls, a bit bigger than a 50 cent piece (you can apply these when the frame is still wet.) These are decorative pieces so attach one onto each corner of the frame with a dab of craft glue. The paper clay now needs about two or three days to dry completely.
6
Once the paper clay is dry, paint on a layer of white gesso sealer. Wait half an hour or so till it dries. Paint on your desired designs with acrylic paint leaving small areas of white showing. Allow half an hour again, remembering that you can speed up this process with a hair dryer. Then highlight the painted areas using a black water-based marker. With the white areas showing and the black and white marker, you should get a really original hand-made look. We used Jo Sonja's paints in Aqua blue, Nimbus grey, and Turners yellow at about $5 each, but you could use any paints.
7
When you are happy with the result and it's all dry, apply a coat of water-based varnish. Then you can add the wire. Using the long nosed pliers, twirl the 15cm lengths of wire, and insert them into the frame (you could pre-make a hole with a kitchen skewer to make the insertion easier.) Secure the wire into the hole with a dab of craft glue. Stick the beads down with the craft glue.
8
Choose a photo for your frame and tape a square of acetate/transparency film onto the back of the frame. Attach the backing paper and photo onto the backing board and set it in place with masking tape. Then your masterpiece is ready to hang on the wall.
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Materials
Thick corrugated cardboard
Craft knife
Masking tape
9 pieces of wire (8 x 15cm, 1 x 8cm)
Long-nose pliers
Paperclay instant papier mâché
Kitchen knife
Beads
Gesso
Paint brushes
Acrylic paints
Black water-based pen (try a woodcraft marker)
Water-based varnish
Craft glue |
Cost
Paperclay 1 kg (this should make three frames) $ 18.95 (RRP)
Wire $ 2.00
Beads $ 2.00
Acetate $ 0.50
Gesso $ 6.00
Total $ 29.45
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More Info
All materials are available by mail order from Handworks Supplies, 121 Commercial Road, South Yarra VIC 3141. Phone: (03) 9820 8399 Fax: (03) 9820 8312
For your nearest stockist of Paperclay instant papier mache call (03) 9894 2233.
Special thanks to Wendy Straume of Nomad Studio Australia PO Box 170, Mt Waverley VIC 3149. Ph/Fax: (03) 9530 6288.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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