Crafts 101

So once again this is my attempt at being able to call myself "Crafty!" I attempt craft projects often, often not finishing them or truthfully not being satisfied with my work. I like perfection (a definitely flaw to my character and one I am working on.) My very "crafty" sister-in-law and I don't use that adjective lightly made a frame for me like this. I thought I would attempt to follow in her very crafty footsteps! Then I decided to extend her idea on the photo frame to the little wooden box. You basically can get all of these materials at Hobby Lobby for a great deal and tailor it to any color and room decor. I should of taken pictures of each step, sorry I didn't.

Step 1- You start with a wooden frame from Hobby Lobby. Then pick out your choice of Scrap Book paper. I went with the largest size paper, because my frame was bigger. You decide what will work best for you. Oh, and I would grab a couple extra pieces if you are like me, you may cut through a couple before you get it just right!

Step 2- Choose a coordinating paint color. You will be painting the back of the frame to coordinate your paper choice. My friends and I went with a very neutral buttercream color in order to match several types of paper.

Step 3- Begin painting your frame. This part is easy, well sorta but please put something down so as not to get paint on the floor or your furniture!

Step 4- Cutting your paper! We did this several different ways and each way works. First: You can decide to first glue your paper to the the frame. Once dry which only takes minutes, then trace the edges with a small craft razor. This will leave your edges a bit frayed which gives a really cool antique look. My sister's frame turned out great like this!
Second: if you want your edges to be smooth. Trace the paper and frame. Cut along the lines with scissor and then glue to frame. This will give your paper and more clean look.

Step 5- The finished product. Now is where your craft brains come into play. This is where you can decide how to detail your frame. You will see that I opted for placing a bow on it. I love my "girly" girl and did this for her room so I wanted their to be a bow. You can also take a matching stamp color and stamp the edges, bringing an antique look on it. Do what you decide, making it yours!

Once you begin with the frame you will want to do more projects realizing how easy they are. I decided to do this wooden box to hold all of Aubrey's bows. I may still stamp a cute "A" on the top, working on it though.

Anyway, get your crafty minds to flowing and I would love to see your cute ideas! Believe me, if I can do it, you can certainly do it!