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Saturday, February 8, 2014

Welcome to the Creative Paperclay® Valentine Blog Hop Link Up Party!!

Hi Everyone and Welcome to Charmed Confections!

My name is LeeAnn Kress and I am so happy to be a part of the Creative Paperclay® Valentine Link Up Party!  It has been such fun being a member of the Design Team on their blog site.  I hope you have enjoyed all the talent that is represented there -- I know, I have!


Here is what I made for this Valentine Link Party.  

A sweet chalk board love notes frame.
I am a firm believer in leaving love notes for your family.  
It truly makes the day sweeter for all!  


If you love my project, sign up for the GIVEAWAY!  

Yes!! I am giving this away!!
  
Please scroll down to the bottom of this post and sign up!  
You could win!!!


So, let's get started.  (All my instructions will be posted under each picture.)

Here are the supplies needed:
Creative Paperclay®
8x10 frame with glass
Rolling Pin
Baby Powder
Flower / Leave Cookie Cutters (various sizes)
Chalk Board Spray Paint
Gloss Wood Spray Paint
Matte Varnish Spray Paint
4" long wooden dowel
Paint in various colors of your choosing
Paintbrush & water
E6000 Glue
White Tacky Glue
Chalk 


Above you will see that I just bought a plain red frame.  I bought this frame at Michael's for $6.00 on the sale aisle.  What a steal!


Take the frame apart leaving the glass elsewhere.  I am going to spray the frame with some Glossy Wood Tone spray paint to richen up the red wood frame and make it not look so plain, flat red. 


Next, take your glass and spray paint it in layers with Chalk Board paint.  You will be applying lots of coats to this piece of glass, so go slowly in smooth layers.  Build up the layers after each drying.  I think in the end, I had about 7 coats of paint on my glass.  


Here you can see that I have my pink silicone mat out.  I am going to roll out some Creative Paperclay® and cut out some flowers and leaves with my cute cutters.  You will also see that I have a tin of letters, a roller, and a bowl of water available.


In this picture, I have lightly floured my silicone mat with some baby powder.  Baby powder works like flour would to cookie dough.  You can use this to roll out your clay instead of placing your clay between two sheets of wax paper.  By doing this, you get a smoother finish to the clay's surface.  No bumps where the wax paper crinkles.  Go ahead and cut out some cute flowers shapes.


Here is my flower.  To give it some interest, I am going to use a tool to push some round indents in each flower petal.  I used this tool in my porcelain doll making days and am still using it now.   This is a tool to size doll eyes for glass eyes.  Funny how you can use tools for other purposes too.  Hang on to them!


Next, I cut out another flower shape, but this time a little smaller.  Wet the back of the smaller flower to adhere to the larger flower.  Gently push in the middle to make it stick.


I rolled out a tiny bit of clay and made the center of my flower.  Using my tool again, I made a round indent into the middle of my layered flower so that I could add the center piece.  Wet the center piece again and apply to the middle.


Here is a picture of my finished flower.   Pretty easy, huh?  Now, take some water on your fingertip and go over all the edges to smooth them out.

IMPORTANT:  When applying these flowers (or anything for that manner out of paperclay to a frame) you will need to rub a little white glue to the back of the clay pieces before applying to your frame.  This will make sure they stick securely where you want them while the piece is drying.


Here I am cutting out the word "Notes" out of paperclay.  I am using my cookie cutter letters to do this.  Take out the clay in the center of each letter, as we are using the outline part only.  Make sure you save the inner center of the "O" - we will need that!


Just look at my sweet mess!  You can see that the frame has the banner "Love" on it and a couple of flowers placed.  Go to the next picture and I will show you how to make the banner.


Here is how I made the banner for the word "Notes".  You can see that I rolled out my clay, stamped in the word, took out the letters and cut out a banner shape out of the clay.  Not too hard!  

Before you add the banner to the frame, lightly paint on some white glue to the back side of the piece to make sure it adheres good.  Once on the frame, you can free form the banner into the shape you desire.  Make sure you press down on the clay to secure it to the frame.


In the above picture, I am using a small wet paintbrush (that I will occasionally dip in to water to lightly damped) to smooth all the edges.  Take your time doing this.  I try to get all the rough edges of my piece smoothed out for a clean finish before the clay dries.   


Now that the banners have been added to the top of the frame, let's make some leaves to go between those pretty flowers we made earlier.  Take your leaf cookie cutter and cut out some various sizes.  With a sculpting tool, pin or toothpick, draw some lines in the clay for the veining.   

Slightly wet your fingers and rub a little water around the edges to give your leaves a smooth outer seam. 


In this picture above, you will see how I placed my leaves in between the flowers and free formed them to fit the frame.  Do not be afraid to change the shape a little.  Just go with it!


YAY!  One side is done and I am pretty pleased with the look of it.  Now, let's look at the underside for a minute!!


If you have flowers and leaves that are coming off the frame like I do, you need to backfill the underneath with more clay.  This will give them some support and strength.   Here I just pushed in a little clay to fill in the gaps underneath the applied pieces.  Use a damp paintbrush to smooth it out.  Let dry completely!!


Here is my project with all the clay applied.  Once I had all the flowers and leaves in place, and backfilled where they attached to the frame, I went over the entire piece again with my damp paintbrush to smooth out the clay and all the edges.  I also cleaned up any spot of clay on the frame that I didn't want there.  :)

Now ... I just need to let this baby dry for a few days.  It needs to be completely dry before we paint.  Looking good so far!


Ok ... you might think that I jumped several steps ahead, but really, the paint color is up to you.

Here is what I did after the piece was completely dry.  First thing .... lightly sand the clay to give it that super smooth finish.

Next, pick out your paint combinations and paint!  I usually give my pieces several coats of paint and then I dry brush on some lighter variations of the color to highlight the leaves and flowers.  

I added some cute polka dots to some of the flowers for a very sweet and whimsical touch!

When the paint was completely dry, I stained the piece with some wood stain.  Very simple step, just rub on and rub off.  The stain goes into all the cracks and really brings out the detail of the flowers and leaves.

You will see a piece of round dowel in the inside of the frame.  I am going to use this to make a chalk holder.  This piece is around 4" long.  I am going to paint it black.


Once I painted the 4" dowel black, I glued it to the frame with some heavy duty glue -- E6000.   That should do it!

Before I call this frame done, I am going to age my frame a little more.  I think I am going to wash it with a little watered down paint rub using black and raw umber paint.  This frame looks too clean.

When everything is dry, I am going to go outside and seal the piece with matte varnish spray.  Give it several coats to seal it well and let dry.


Here is my finished project!  I hope you like it!  I placed the glass back into the frame and added some chalk to the holder.  Too cute!  You can now either hang this on the wall or place it in a frame holder like in the picture above.  Either way, you can proudly leave your love notes for all to see!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS --- 

To be entered to win my Love Notes Frame, you need to complete the following two steps.

1. Sign up to follow my blog!  In the right hand column of this blog you will see a "follow me" option.   Please sign up to follow me or if you don't have a Google account, like my Facebook page and/or like me on Pinterest.  I would be most grateful.

2.  Leave a comment below this post.  Give me your name and your email address so I can contact you if you win.  It's that simple!  

The drawing will take place on February 14th!  I will contact the winner and post their name here on this blog and on my Facebook page.  


Best of luck to you all!

In the meantime, have a wonderful time hopping from one blog to another.  Our Design Team is so talented!  I am sure there will be some fantastic things to see and learn!  If you have a Creative Paperclay tutorial and would like to share it ... Link Up to us!!  We would love to see what you create!

Here's wishing you the Happiest Valentine Day!  May it be brimming over with love!

XOXO



58 comments:

Dianie said...

LeeAnn,
That chalkboard is just so fantastic!
I want to pin it.. can I?
just love this project. I would love to make some of these for gifts.

thanks so much!
~Diane

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

So very cool and very detailed as always! Lots of great ideas and techniques in here, thanks so much for sharing!

Have you ever tried corn starch? I use it frequently with polymer, but haven't tried it with Creative Paperclay Modeling Material because of it's absorptive properties. Don't suppose it wold be any worse than baby powder. :)

Karen Buchanan said...

What a great message board! Love it!

Unknown said...

Mine, Mine Mine...Pick Me!!!

XO,

Carly Anne

Unknown said...

Lee...where did you find those darling cookie cutters...have to get them!!!

XO!

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Everyone! Just rolling out of bed. It was a late night - up working on new offerings. LOL!

Thanks so much for the sweet comments. Carly I will definitely put you in for the drawing.

Susan, I have never tried cornstarch. Hmmm...maybe a tip in the making.

Hi Diane, you are so sweet! Yes, pin away. I think these would make great gifts too!

Thank so much Karen for your sweet comment. I so appreciate it! ~~ LeeAnn

Jody Wakefield studio said...

Great looking tutorial! Yes I want to win it! Please try your best to pick me!!! LOL What a nice giveaway! I'll post this on my blog and facebook.

Hugs
Jody

Tumbleweed Trails said...

Wonderful tutorial. Your chalk board turned out great. I would love to win it and leave sweet little notes on it for my granddaughter. Your talent and work has always amazed me and has me wishing I could own it all. It's always great to see your new work on STJ's and PFATT M. And of course Etsy as well.
Jody
visionquest2020 AT msn DOT com

Charmed Confections said...

Thanks so much, Jody!! I appreciate you spreading the word! Good Luck!

Michelle Bloch said...

I'm jealous, you have grass in your picture and not this cold white stuff!!! I would love to be involved in this giveaway, I am a follower on Blogger, and of course Facebook :)My email is bloch_michelle@yahoo.com

Charmed Confections said...

Jody - SBCW -- I have your name in the drawing.

Jody - Tumbleweed Trails. Thanks so much for the sweet comment. You are making me blush. Thank you! I have you in the drawing.

Michelle, my sweet! Have you in the drawing. Thanks for always supporting me!

Best of luck to each of you! Hugs LeeAnn

DIYDesignStudio said...

really wonderful work! This is a perfect gift item and is fanciful! THANKS for sharing!

Charmed Confections said...

Thanks so much Jean. I glad you like it! I have put your name in the drawing. Thanks for following along with me. LeeAnn

Unknown said...

I'm a new follower. :)

Awesome tutorial and what a cute chalk board!

Thanks so much for this opportunity. I look forward to you future blogs.

sonia67bones@gmail.com

The Rusty Thimble said...

How Sweet love this LeeAnn, I am sharing!! I would love to spend a day with you watching you work with clay!!
Have a wonderful weekend
Brenda

Patricia said...

Lee Ann - what an awesome giveaway and tutorial. Thanks so much for thinking of all of us! I will be sharing this on my FB site. Happy Saturday and Sunday!

Pat

Sheila said...

This is such a wonderful tutorial for your lovely creation! LOVE IT!
Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings,
Sheila

Barbara Bruder said...

This is a fabulous project. Love the fact that you used the frame AND the glass. Perfect!!! The clay embellishments you've created are so pretty.Your paint colors go great with the frame. Am following you and thanks for a chance to win.

pballard said...

Lovely giveaway. A follower of yours on pinterest, facebook, google and email. Thanks for the chance.
pamballard@comcast.net

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Sonia! Welcome to my blog. I am so happy to have you as a new follower. You are in the drawing. Best of luck!

Charmed Confections said...

Thanks for spreading the word about our blog hop! I so appreciate all you do for me. You're in the drawing Brenda! Hugs and feel better soon.

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Pat, Glad you stopped by my blog and glad you like the tutorial. It was pretty easy to do. I have you in the drawing. Best of luck!

Charmed Confections said...

You're in the drawing, Shelia! Thanks for spreading the word about this hop. Have a wonderful weekend and Thank you!!

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Barbara, Thanks for the sweet comments and for stopping by today. I have you in the drawing. Wishing you much luck!! ;)

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Pam!! Glad you stopped by to see me and to put your name in the pot. I am liking this frame and will have to do more. I think someone will be happy! Best of luck!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

How beautiful and what a great tutorial!! I am a new follower, thanks!

LuLu said...

This is so cool! One of my daughters is a chalkboard fanatic! I will have to send her here for a look :)

Anonymous said...

Hi LeeAnn, I "love" your chalkboard and would love to be entered in your giveaway! Thanks for sharing your wonderful "tutorial" with all of us! Blessings, Kim

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Connie! Nice to meet you and thank you for signing up for my giveaway. Your name is in the drawing. Best of luck to you!

Charmed Confections said...

Glad you like the tutorial LuLu. I like yours too! Say hello to your daughter for me, She can do this!

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Kim, so happy you stopped by to join in the fun. I am happy to share with all. Your name is in the drawing. Good luck and have a wonderful weekend!

Barbara Rankin said...

Fabulous chalkboard. Love how you made those beautiful flower embellishments around the frame, too.

Unknown said...

Absolutely ADORABLE! I love your work!

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

This is just the prettiest chalk board ever!!! Thanks for the tutorial and the sweet giveaway :) I'm already a follower.

Lyneen said...

LOVE your project!!! So many details, I love your transformation of the frame to a the beautiful chalk board!

Anonymous said...

Very cute project. Great tips.

Denise * KKL Primitives said...

Absolutely LOVE this whimsical chalkboard. Please enter me! I'm a new follower.

kklprimitives@verizon.net

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Barbara! I am so glad you like it. You are so talented with clay. I love your tutorials too. I have you in the drawing. Best of luck to you!

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Kelly! Thanks for visiting me here. This is what I do after the day job. I love it! I put your name in the drawing. Good luck and have a nice weekend.

Charmed Confections said...

Thanks for following me Terry. It really means a lot, as there are tons of blogs to follow out there. Happy you like the chalkboard. I am happy with how it turned out. You're in the drawing! Keep your fingers crossed and good luck!

Charmed Confections said...

Glad you like the tutorial Lyneen! I love how you can spray chalkboard paint right on glass. Would make cute gifts in different themes. You are in the drawing! Best of luck!. Thank you for visiting me!

Charmed Confections said...

Thanks so much. Glad you stopped by.

Charmed Confections said...

Nice to meet you Denise! I am so happy to have new as a new follower. I hope you enjoy my blog. Thanks you for the sweet comment on my chalkboard. I have you in the drawing. Best of luck to you!

Danice G said...

So cute! Thank you for the great tutorial. I am already a follower. I can be reached via email though a Email button on my blog's top left sidebar (I never have my email address displayed anywhere). Please sign me up for this giveaway. Thank you :)

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Danice, Glad you stopped by and glad you liked the tutorial. I have you in the drawing. No worries, I'll get a hold of you if you are the winner. Best of luck to you. LeeAnn

Gloriann said...

This chalk board is so adorable I will have to try one for my girls. They love to leave me little cute notes and this will sure made them even more special. Thank you for sharing . :)

Shell Seeker said...

you make it seem so easy,but I'm sure talent plays a big part. ;)
Happy V day and hopefully the end of all this snow.

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Gloriann,
Glad you stopped by to see my tutorial. You and your girls should make one together. That would be so sweet. Love your tutorial too! (Gloriann is on the Creative Paperclay® Design Team. Go to www.creativepaperclay.blogspot.com to see her tutorial)

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Maria (LuLu)!

Thanks so being so sweet to me and for following along. Glad you are here with me. I have you in the drawing! Best of luck!

godessdi said...

Thanks for the instructions, I think even I can do this! It's a great idea, you made it look easy each step of the way and your project looks marvelous. Thanks again!
Di

Charmed Confections said...

Of course you can do this Di! If you have any questions, just email me. I would be happy to help anyone who tries this tutorial. It's fun ... just be creative and go with it! LeeAnn

The Scraps of My Life by Julie said...

Adorable! And luv the tutorial. Thanks for sharing your creation with us.

ButtonsInTheAttic said...

LOVE the note board! I am going to have to start playing with paper clay! Don't tell hubby! LOL

Please enter me in your giveaway!

Karen :-)

Anonymous said...

Really enjoyed the love notes tutorial. What a wonderful idea. I already have the cutters too since I am a cake decorator. it looks so wonderful finished. Everyone needs one of these in their home ;)
Thanks LeeAnn,
Georgina
cakelady25@aol.com

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Julie, Karen and Georgina! Thanks for stopping by and entering in the giveaway. Happy you liked the tutorial. Best of luck! ~ LeeAnn

Anonymous said...

Hi LeeAnn,

Such a cute project and very well explained!! You know I would love to win! So glad that you have the opportunity to do this! I cannot remember my blogspot password so I will share this on FB!


Hugs,
Annette Schwerdt

Charmed Confections said...

Hi Annette! So happy to have you stop by my blog! You are in the drawing. Good luck to you!

Anonymous said...

This looks fabulous! How in the world did I miss this one??? Your frame looks great and gives me lots of ideas for future doll sculptures! I need to sign into my blog more often!