Project Description

This wonderful project is beautiful and simple.  It is a great gift idea that is inexpensive and from the heart.  If you are not looking for a gift then make this a rainy day or any day craft project.  Here, we are walking through the steps of “how to” with my own 5 year old grandson, Kai.  With a few diversions (Scooby Doo came on!) he LOVED the project and is proud of his frame.

Here we go…

Materials:

  • 1 plain frame (preferably white) with a smooth flat surface
  • 2 small cups (one for glue/one for water)
  • Project Paper Adhesive (PPA) Matte, by US Art Quest
  • Crystal Effects, by US Art Quest
  • 2 paint small brushes (also available from US Art Quest) @ www.usartquest.com
  • Napkin (or more) with a design of your choice.  Keep in mind that the design will need to fit on the frame.
  • Masking tape

Note: The finished project will come out better if the frame is white or cream.  If it is not a light color you can apply a coat of acrylic paint first and let it dry, then start the project.

 Separate the 3 ply napkin until you have just the top piece.  This is done by taking 2 small pieces of masking tape and applying it to one corner of the napkin on both the front and back.  Now just pull the napkin apart holding onto the tape pieces.  Repeat if necessary until you have the design sheet down to one ply.
 Taking the 2 cups, fill one with water and the other with a few drops of the PPA.  Looking at the napkin decide what portions of the design you want to use and if you like the design of your frame.  This is a good time for your child/helper to really get excited and involved.In our frame we used hot air balloons.  Now wet on of the brushes and lightly go around the design item you want on the napkin.  Use the water sparingly as it will tear easy enough.  Gently pull the design away from the full napkin.  (Kai was very good at this, maybe because of his tiny fingers.)  Now you have the piece with rough edges.Place the napkin on the glue mixture and with your 2nd brush lightly brush the glue mixture from the center of the piece out to the edges until the entire design is smooth.
 Pick a location for this piece, dip the 2nd brush in water and then into the PPA (just a small amount, go lightly) and spread it on the frame where the piece will go.  Do not put the glue/water mixture all over the frame.  Just in the area you are working with.  Now, take the same brush with the PPA and lightly brush the mixture from the center of your piece out until it is smooth.Repeat this step until the entire frame is collaged.  (Sticking your tongue out is optional!)
Now cover the whole frame with a light coat of PPA (over your design).  “Sprinkle” or “dust” the Crystal Effects over it and let dry. Kai also liked this part too.  He had Crystal Effects all over him. This only takes a few minutes to dry. Now step back and look at the finished project!!It was great to take the time to show Kai how to do this.  We had fun together and  he is very happy with his new picture frame.  Never to early to show the little ones something fun and who knows what he will want to try next.