Tutorial - Vintage Frame/Mirror

I recently found this beautiful old gilt frame. It had clearly seen better days but also had too much potential to scrap. With a bit of care and attention I managed to transform it into a lovely Christmas gift (see pictures below).  By the time I'd finished, I wanted it for myself...

 

The finished frame with mirror inserted (complete with reflection of dead patio plants):

 

 

If you fancy trying this for yourself, follow the steps below.

You will need:

• An old frame
• White matt emulsion paint
• Sandpaper
• Wood filler 
• Paintbrushes
• Rubber gloves and plenty of newspaper...

Instructions:

1. Fill any gaps or blemishes with wood filler.  My boyfriend told me about 'Brummer' - this clever stuff is a water soluble putty which you can apply with your fingers and if necessary, sand smooth when dry.  It comes in a variety of colours (I opted for white).
2. Sand the entire frame thoroughly, paying close attention to any detailed areas.  Be warned; paint will not take to very smooth surfaces!
3. Wash the frame down with warm, soapy water and leave it to dry.
4. When it is completely dry, apply a thin layer of matt emulsion paint (any colour you fancy but I think plain white works best).  Carefully work the paint into the areas of detail by stippling with a lightly loaded brush.
5. Apply further coats as necessary; my frame needed three.
6. Leave to dry overnight or a little longer if possible.
7. Have a mirror professionally inserted and a hanging wire attached (this didn't cost much).

Tips:

• Make sure you paint the inner edges of the frame really thoroughly, or you will end up with an unsightly reflection in the mirror.
• Unless you can suspend the frame whilst painting, you will have to rest it on one edge and touch it up when the coat dries.
• In between paint jobs, wrap your brushes in cling film and they won't dry out.
• For a shabby-chic look, give the finished paint work a quick sand down (I couldn't bring myself to do this after spending so long painting it!).

I look forward to making one for myself...

Handmade Christmas Cards

This year, I somehow made time to make my own Christmas cards. I highly recommend this design if you fancy making your own (thanks Martha)!

All you need are some blank cards and lots of ribbon; I used single sided florists' ribbon as it is much cheaper.  First, cut a small slit halfway up the spine of card.  Then, thread the ribbon through the slit and tie a bow on the front. Here are some photos of the finished results:

Last year, I made my own design which proved to be a little more time consuming than this year's version.  I took a piece of felt, sewed random zig zags all over it in contrasting coloured cotton thread, then cut out a triangle shape and stuck it to a blank card with clear drying craft glue.