Happy Birthday, Baby!

My youngest niece just celebrated her 1st birthday, and even though we've not met her yet (she's in Iowa and we're Pac Northwesterners) we still wanted to help her celebrate by getting crafty with it ;-)

 

I decided to create a frame with her name on it, check it out

 

I think my favorite element is the Color Me Crazy die cut chipboard birds from Petaloo.  I used my Copics, sponged on pearlescent ink, and spritzed with glittery texture spray to dress it up.  Lucky me - they come two in a package so I have another one to play with!

 

Here's a close-up of the letters.  I used some distressing tools to rough up the edges, and then sponged on some pearlescent ink (Poppy from Tsukineko).

 

Here's a look at the "rough" edges - I attached the patterned paper (Echo Park) with tape, so when I sprayed it with a clear glossy finish it bubbled up to create a shabby chic look.

 

You might notice the two clothespins (Pebbles Inc.) that I glued on each side of the frame.  They can attach a couple more pictures that way.

 

I had so much fun creating this that I am ready to make another.

 

Details:

 

12x12 (4x4 photo) craft frame: Sierra Pacific Crafts

Patterned paper: Echo Park

Chipboard shape: Petaloo

Clothespins: Pebbles Inc.

Ribbon: American Crafts

Ink: Tsukineko

Goosebumps texture spray: Tsukineko

Other crafty goodness: Acrylic and shimmer paints (for the base), wooden letters, twine, felt

 

Tips and Tricks

 

Distress the edges of the paper around the edges and photo portions of the frame before spraying with clear gloss.  This adds to the shabby chic look.

 

Create your own blossom by spiraling ribbon on a piece of felt and stitching it in place.

 

Use one coat of acrylic paint on the base of the frame so the natural color of the frame shows through, giving it a worn look.